Wednesday 15 January 2025
36 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police nationwide observe minute of silence for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming
Police across New Zealand held a minute of silence on Wednesday to honour Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, who was killed in Nelson on New Year's Day. Fleming died after being struck by a vehicle while on duty. A funeral with full police honours is scheduled for Thursday.
+48 outlets · Two fishermen rescued after trawler sinks near Kawau Island
Two fishermen were rescued by a nearby yacht after their trawler sank unexpectedly near Moturekareka Island in the Hauraki Gulf on Tuesday night. Authorities have issued warnings regarding floating debris and have advised against eating dead snapper that may wash up on North Auckland beaches.
+15 outlets · Police investigate arson near Raglan Airfield
Police are investigating an arson incident that occurred near Raglan Airfield and Marine Parade on Tuesday evening. The fire spread rapidly due to dry conditions, threatening nearby infrastructure and campgrounds, but was extinguished without causing property damage. Authorities are now seeking witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage of the incident.
+15 outlets · Man charged with murder following death of Thames man
A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 60-year-old Maxwell Connor. Connor died in hospital following an alleged altercation at a house on Rolleston Street in Thames on Monday. The accused appeared in Kaitāia District Court and has been remanded in custody.
+15 outlets · Man who escaped police custody in Taupō hands himself in
Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, has surrendered to the Taupō Police Station after fleeing from a police transport vehicle outside the Taupō District Court on Monday. Police previously believed he was receiving assistance to avoid capture. He faces a charge of escaping from custody.
+15 outlets · Wellington Reading Cinemas to reopen after seismic upgrades
The Reading Cinemas complex on Courtenay Place is set to reopen following a $38 million sale and redevelopment plan. The building has been closed since 2019 due to earthquake risks. Prime Property Group has entered an agreement to upgrade and seismically strengthen the site.
4 outlets · Police investigating sudden death of a baby in Manurewa
Police are investigating the sudden, unexplained death of a baby in South Auckland. The infant was taken to a medical centre on Browns Road in Manurewa on Wednesday but could not be revived. Emergency services were present at the clinic following the incident.
4 outlets · Seven people rescued after fire breaks out at Anawhata Beach
Seven people were rescued from Anawhata Beach after a bush fire broke out on Wednesday evening. Emergency crews, including helicopters and multiple fire trucks, responded to the blaze. Firefighters have since returned to the scene to continue extinguishing the fire.
3 outlets · 2024 NCEA provisional results released online
More than 160,000 students can now access their provisional 2024 NCEA results through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website. Students can log in using their National Student Number or student login. Assessed exam papers are expected to be available from 21 January.
+37 outlets · Rotorua landlord ordered to pay damages and repair defective rental property
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered Aquastar Holdings Limited to pay $6,195 in exemplary damages and complete extensive repairs to a Rotorua rental. The property had defects including a rotting deck, sagging ceilings, and a hole in the roof. A three-year restraining order was also issued against the landlord.
+15 outlets · Seven Rotorua emergency housing motels granted consent extensions
Resource consent extensions have been approved for seven motels providing emergency housing in Rotorua despite local opposition. The extensions include staggered exit dates, with some motels required to cease operations by December and no new referrals being accepted.
3 outlets · Former motorcycle club president killed in Bunnythorpe crash
Mark Macaulay, 68, died following a two-vehicle crash on Colyton Road in Bunnythorpe on Sunday, 12 January. The accident involved a car and a motorbike. Three other people sustained injuries in the incident near Palmerston North.
4 outlets · Firefighters contain house fire in North New Brighton
Fire crews have contained a large blaze that broke out on Marriotts Road in North New Brighton on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services received multiple calls regarding the fire just after 3pm. While the blaze is contained, firefighters are continuing to work on dampening hotspots.
3 outlets · Doctor who murdered Dunedin teenager dies by suicide in prison
Venod Skantha, the doctor convicted of murdering 16-year-old Amber-Rose Rush, took his own life in the Otago Corrections Facility. He died shortly after learning his appeal had failed. A coroner noted that staff had not been notified of the appeal outcome, an error that has since been corrected.
+15 outlets · Emergency services battle vegetation fire in Tahorakuri Forest
Multiple crews and helicopters are responding to a vegetation fire in the Tahorakuri Forest area, approximately 20 kilometres north of Taupō. Fire and Emergency NZ reported the fire covers about 1.5 hectares. Around 32 firefighters from various brigades are currently attending the scene.
3 outlets · Police seize drugs, firearm and stolen items during Napier house raid
The Eastern District Organised Crime Unit searched a Thames Street property on Tuesday afternoon, discovering a loaded gun, 60 bags of cannabis, methamphetamine, cash, and a stolen e-scooter. A 34-year-old man was arrested and is due to appear in Hastings District Court on Wednesday facing multiple charges.
3 outlets · Residents shaken by repeated rock attacks in Grey Lynn
Multiple houses on Sackville Street in Grey Lynn have had windows smashed by rocks. Residents report being targeted for months, with one person stating the attacks began nearly a year ago. Police are currently investigating the spate of incidents.
4 outlets · David Havili appointed as new Crusaders captain
The Crusaders have confirmed that midfielder David Havili will captain the team for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Havili replaces Scott Barrett, who will step down from the role to focus on All Blacks captaincy. The 30-year-old described the appointment as a proud and humbling moment.
3 outlets · Police investigate suspicious fire at Auckland boating club
Three motorboats caught fire at the Outboard Boating Club on Tāmaki Drive in Parnell on Tuesday night. Fire and Emergency crews responded to the blaze around 9.30pm. Firefighters are treating the incident as suspicious, and a fire investigator has been deployed to the scene.
3 outlets · Bay of Plenty Regional Council faces $7 million in flood litigation costs
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council estimates it could cost up to $7 million to litigate claims following the 2017 Edgecumbe flood. Chairman Doug Leeder stated the legal cases highlight broader issues regarding how local government manages natural disasters.
+15 outlets · Police investigate shoplifting complaint against former MP
Police are investigating a shoplifting complaint made against former MP Golriz Ghahraman. The alleged incident occurred in late 2024 at a Pak’nSave supermarket in Royal Oak, Auckland.
4 outlets · Man receives home detention for Hamilton Michael Hill jewellery robbery
Chedin Thompson has been sentenced to six months of home detention for his role in a 2023 robbery at a Michael Hill Jewellers in Hamilton. Thompson and three others stole approximately $378,000 worth of jewellery and watches using tools such as hammers and a screwdriver.
3 outlets · Wellington Phoenix face Sydney FC in A-League clash
The Wellington Phoenix played Sydney FC at Sky Stadium during round 14 of the A-League. The Phoenix currently sit 10th on the ladder, while the sixth-placed Sydney FC entered the match unbeaten in their recent fixtures.
2 outlets · Auckland councillor warns against disbanding urban regeneration agency
Councillor Angela Dalton says abolishing Eke Panuku could result in some communities losing out on important investments. The decision to disband the Auckland Council urban regeneration agency follows a governing body vote on 12 December.
3 outlets · Tasman mayor expresses relief as Waimea Dam dispute concludes
The final cost of the Waimea Community Dam in Tasman has been confirmed at $211 million. Mayor Tim King expressed relief that the long-running and contentious project has ended, noting the significant cost overruns and the need to focus on other regional issues.
2 outlets · Poor weather leads to lower visitor numbers at Splash Planet
Splash Planet has seen 12,864 fewer visitors this summer due to poor weather. This decline has resulted in a $320,000 drop in revenue for the Hastings District Council facility.
2 outlets · Review finds likely racial bias in medical examination process
An investigation into claims by New Zealand and Australian doctors has concluded that unconscious bias and racism likely existed in a clinical exam. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians apologised to complainants and must now address issues regarding exam design, transparency, and cultural awareness to ensure future fairness.
2 outlets · Christchurch phone repair shop faces closure after second burglary
A mobile phone repair shop in Christchurch may close following its second burglary in 18 months. Despite security measures like fog machines and metal doors, the business suffered another loss. Police are currently investigating the incident.
2 outlets · British comedian and actor Tony Slattery dies aged 65
British actor and comedian Tony Slattery has died following a heart attack. The former Whose Line Is It Anyway star was once a highly popular television performer, though his career was affected by addiction to drugs and alcohol.
2 outlets · Mother seeks help finding missing 12-year-old boy in Christchurch
Natasha Churcher is pleading for information regarding her son Bailey, who has not been seen since Monday or Tuesday afternoon. The boy was last seen playing in the backyard of his family home in Bryndwr. He was reportedly wearing a camouflage shirt and black shorts when he went missing.
3 outlets · Yellow-eyed penguin faces possible extinction within two decades
The Department of Conservation warns that the hoiho could become extinct within twenty years. Known nests have decreased by 80% over the last 15 years, with human interference cited as a contributing factor.
2 outlets · Researcher urges preparation for inevitable tsunamis based on past events
A researcher suggests that lessons from previous tsunamis must be used to prepare for future events. Historical examples include the 1947 Gisborne tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which resulted in over 200,000 deaths.
2 outlets · Teenager fails to overturn protection order preventing sporting competition
A 17-year-old accused of sexually and emotionally abusing a 14-year-old girl has failed to overturn a protection order. The court decision prevents him from competing in the sport where the pair met if the girl is present at an event.
2 outlets · Legislation to ban children from purchasing Lotto products to be introduced
New legislation will be introduced to Parliament this year to prohibit anyone under 18 from buying any Lotto products, both online and in-store. The Problem Gambling Foundation stated that children should not have been able to purchase gambling products, even on behalf of parents.
2 outlets · Corrections staff member resigns after two prisoner escapes
One Corrections staff member has resigned and another has received a final warning following two prisoner escapes from Waikato Hospital. One of the escapees, Damon Anderson, spent nine days on the run after fleeing the hospital on 23 December.
+37 outlets · Rescue operation at Hāhei Beach follows fatal cliff fall
Emergency services responded to a cliff incident at Hāhei Beach around 8.15pm on Saturday. A 13-year-old boy died after falling, while a girl was rescued from a cliff perch via abseiling. The lead rescuer described the scene as distressing for those involved.
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