Labour leads National in latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll
Labour has overtaken National in the Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll for the first time since April 2023. Labour reached 30.9 per cent while National dropped to 29.6 per cent. The results also indicated that New Zealanders believe the country is on the wrong track.
+15 outlets · One person critically injured in three-vehicle crash on State Highway 29
A car, ute, and small truck collided on State Highway 29 in Lower Kaimai on Friday morning. One person sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The highway was closed between McLaren Falls Road and Poripori Road following the incident.
4 outlets · State Highway 2 blocked near Waihi following serious two-vehicle crash
Five people were injured in a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 2 near Tauranga Road on Friday evening. One person is in critical condition, one is seriously injured, and three others have moderate injuries. Emergency services, including helicopters, attended the scene, and motorists are advised to divert.
+15 outlets · Auckland Transport to increase fares and consolidate zones
Starting 2 February, Auckland Transport will implement a 5.2% fare increase and remove the 10% off-peak discount. The changes also include consolidating bus and train zones from 14 down to nine. While some fares will decrease due to zone changes, many journeys will become more expensive.
4 outlets · Three arrested after firearms incident in Mt Wellington
Police arrested three people following an altercation between two groups outside a Mt Wellington restaurant on Thursday night. After a shot was allegedly fired from one vehicle at another, a police pursuit occurred before a vehicle was stopped in Manurewa. A sawn-off shotgun was seized during the incident.
4 outlets · Union considers stab-proof vests following nurse attack in Rotorua
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation is considering a rollout of personal alarms and stab-proof vests after a nurse was hospitalised following a stabbing in Ngongotahā last December. The union and the Public Service Association are also seeking investigations by WorkSafe and Te Whatu Ora into the incident.
+26 outlets · MPI finds concerning instances in sheep shearing investigation
The Ministry for Primary Industries has completed the first phase of an investigation into alleged animal welfare breaches. After reviewing 235 video files provided by PETA, officials identified several very concerning instances regarding the treatment of sheep at farms and shearing sheds supplying ZQ-certified wool.
4 outlets · Hamilton man threatened staff during eyewear thefts
Kenneth Waaka allegedly stole more than $2,000 worth of glasses from a Hamilton Specsavers. During the incident, the drunken shoplifter reportedly threatened to kill and rape a staff member. These thefts were part of several incidents involving stolen eyewear that occurred days apart last year.
3 outlets · Person hospitalised with serious injuries after fight near Newmarket Station
A man was hospitalised with serious injuries after falling during an altercation between two men at Newmarket Station Square. Emergency services responded to the incident on Remuera Road shortly after 4.30pm. Police have cordoned off an area of the station and are seeking a suspect.
3 outlets · Reward for information on Arthur Easton murder to expire soon
A $100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Arthur Easton's killer will expire on 24 January. Police are urging anyone with information regarding the 1985 Papakura home intrusion and murder to come forward.
3 outlets · Sex Pistols announce first New Zealand shows in nearly 30 years
The Sex Pistols will perform in Auckland and Christchurch this April. Singer Frank Carter will join original members Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock for the tour. This marks the band's first visit to New Zealand in almost three decades.
3 outlets · Person seriously injured in Highland Park shooting incident
A man sustained serious injuries after three men entered a bar on Dunrobin Place and assaulted him before a shot was fired. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred Thursday night at Apple Jacks Bar and Eatery in Highland Park.
3 outlets · NCEA level 1 pass rates decline due to new requirements
Provisional figures show NCEA level 1 pass rates fell to 70% last year, down from 82% in 2023. The Qualifications Authority attributes the decline to new literacy and numeracy requirements. Only 64% of Year 11 students attempted the qualification last year.
+37 outlets · Trump adviser says TikTok could stay in US if deal is reached
Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser stated that the new administration will keep TikTok operational in the United States if a viable deal is made. The popular video app is currently scheduled to face a ban this Sunday.
3 outlets · Auckland prepares for major events amid rail network closures
Auckland faces a busy weekend featuring SailGP, Luke Combs concerts, and an Auckland FC match. Despite the city's rail network being closed for maintenance, Auckland Transport has organised special event buses. Some ferry services are also unavailable, which may lead to long wait times for commuters.
2 outlets · Northland Regional Council urges water conservation during dry summer
Northland residents and holidaymakers are being asked to save water due to a lack of rainfall across the region. Council chairman Geoff Crawford noted that shrinking rivers are under pressure, and upcoming rain is unlikely to fully replenish supplies before the busy Anniversary Weekend and Waitangi Day period.
2 outlets · No fines issued following first month of Auckland alcohol rule changes
Auckland Council reports that off-licence bottle shops have complied with new 9pm trading restrictions since they began on 9 December. No fines have been issued during the first month of the stricter Local Alcohol Policy rules.
3 outlets · Toxic algae warnings issued for several Southland rivers
Environment Southland has issued warnings for multiple rivers across the region following a spate of toxic algae appearances. The Waihōpai River in Invercargill is among the sites where harmful algae has been identified.
3 outlets · Man arrested after person critically injured at West Auckland concert
A 34-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to injure following an altercation outside The Trusts Arena in Henderson on Thursday night. The incident allegedly occurred after a man was denied entry to a Kaytranada concert. The injured person is currently in stable condition at hospital.
2 outlets · Paradise City rock festival cancelled due to low ticket sales
The Paradise City Festival, scheduled for 5 February in Auckland, has been cancelled. Organisers attributed the decision to low ticket sales and have advised attendees to check their emails regarding refunds, which should be processed within five working days.
2 outlets · Lawyer disputes shoplifting allegations against former MP Golriz Ghahraman
Police are investigating a shoplifting allegation involving former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman at an Auckland supermarket. A Wellington lawyer argues there is insufficient evidence to prove intent, noting the supermarket did not report the incident involving goods valued at less than $150 directly to police.
4 outlets · Minister replaces half of Waitangi Tribunal membership
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has appointed eight new members to the Waitangi Tribunal. The overhaul replaces half of the current membership, including senior academics, with new appointees such as Philip Crump and Ron Mark. These members will serve three-year terms.
3 outlets · Queenstown Lakes District Council issued notices over wastewater spill concerns
The Otago Regional Council has issued infringement notices to the Queenstown Lakes District Council following concerns that partially treated wastewater may have leaked into two local rivers. The investigation involves the Shotover wastewater treatment plant and relates to incidents that allegedly occurred late last year.
2 outlets · Former Dilworth teacher and sex offender dies after compassionate release
Robert Wynyard, a former Dilworth School housemaster and teacher, has died two days after being released from prison on compassionate grounds. He had served less than a third of his sentence. The Department of Corrections confirmed his death and stated that his eight registered victims have been informed.
2 outlets · Fines issued for fishing near Cook Strait power cables
Transpower has detailed thousands of dollars in fines issued for fishing activities near power cables in the Cook Strait. Offences included a skipper entering the restricted zone and an individual laying crayfish pots. The cables run for 40 kilometres between Wellington and Marlborough.
2 outlets · Teenager killed in single-vehicle crash near Wairoa
A 14-year-old student, Kaos Kotuhi Brown, died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 near Wairoa on 12 January. Four other people were injured in the incident. Police confirmed the identity of the deceased, who was described as a valued member of the local school community.
2 outlets · Council CCTV operators assist police with arrests in two regions
CCTV camera operators in Rotorua and Tauranga helped police track down five young alleged offenders. Police say the operators assisted in reporting suspicious activity, including an attempted shop burglary, which led to arrests in two separate cases.
2 outlets · Man shot and assaulted at Pakuranga Heights bar
Police responded to Dunrobin Place in Highland Park around 9.55pm on Thursday following reports of an assault. Three men allegedly attacked a man before a shot was fired at a local bar. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment.
2 outlets · Vehicle impounded after striking pedestrian in Christchurch Botanic Gardens
A pedestrian sustained serious leg injuries after being hit by a vehicle near a cafe in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on Thursday morning. Police have located and impounded the vehicle involved in the incident.
3 outlets · France misses SailGP Auckland due to boat issues
The French team will not compete in the SailGP event in Auckland this weekend. The team was forced to withdraw after experiencing delays with their new F50 boat's wingsail. This means the regatta will proceed without the full 12-team fleet.
2 outlets · Police investigate reports of shots fired in Raumanga, Whangārei
Police are investigating after reports of an argument and gunshots at a Hedley Place property in Raumanga around 11.20pm. Officers spoke with people at the scene and located a vehicle with damage consistent with a firearm being discharged. Two vehicles reportedly left the address following the incident.
2 outlets · NCEA Level 1 achievement rates show decrease in provisional data
Provisional data shows a 12 percentage point drop in NCEA Level 1 attainment. Education Minister Erica Stanford attributed the decrease to stricter literacy and numeracy requirements and changes in student participation. NZQA is also changing how it reports Level 1 results as more schools opt out of the course.
4 outlets · New Zealand communities react to Gaza ceasefire news
Palestinian and Israeli communities in New Zealand are expressing cautious optimism following news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. While US officials say the ceasefire should begin on Sunday, negotiators are reportedly working to resolve a last-minute loose end.
2 outlets · Ecostore employee suffers permanent eye damage at Auckland factory
An Ecostore worker sustained permanent eyesight damage from chemical burns at a Pakuranga factory in 2023. The injury occurred while he attempted to shut off a loose, pressurised hose. WorkSafe released details regarding the incident on Monday.
2 outlets · Large fire destroys derelict building in Point Chevalier
A single-storey derelict building on Great North Road was destroyed by a large fire just before midnight on Thursday. Fire and Emergency responded with five fire trucks to the Auckland suburb. Authorities are currently treating the blaze as suspicious.
2 outlets · Infant death from whooping cough highlights healthcare system failures
A Māori paediatrician has stated that the death of a baby from pertussis highlights systemic issues within the healthcare system. Health New Zealand confirmed that an infant died over the Christmas period after contracting the contagious disease. The specialist noted that Māori are disproportionately affected due to low immunisation rates.
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