Whales stranded in Golden Bay and Christchurch
A pod of approximately 30 pilot whales has stranded at Puponga Beach in Golden Bay, resulting in three deaths. Additionally, a juvenile beaked whale has become stranded in shallow water at New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.
+26 outlets · Pedestrians injured in Trentham car crash
Several pedestrians were injured after being hit by a car on Fergusson Drive in Upper Hutt on Saturday afternoon. Fire and Emergency reported that two cars and a power pole were involved in the incident. Four people have been taken to hospital, including one person in serious condition.
+26 outlets · Large fire at former Centrepoint commune site in Albany
Firefighters attended a large structure fire overnight at the former Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre in Albany, Auckland. The blaze was fully involved when crews arrived and was later extinguished. Firefighters remained at the scene on Saturday morning to manage hot spots.
4 outlets · New Zealand team sits fourth after opening day of SailGP Auckland
The New Zealand Black Foils team finished the first day of SailGP Auckland in fourth place. After struggling in the early races, the hometown favourites won the fourth and final contest of the day. They currently sit one point away from the top three.
3 outlets · Five arrested over $1 million in Kinleith Forests damage
Five people are set to appear in Tokoroa District Court following a series of incidents in the Kinleith Forests over the past year. Police say the alleged illegal hunting, theft, and wilful damage has caused an estimated $1 million in costs to managing companies and contractors.
+15 outlets · Two people die in single-vehicle crash in Taupō
Two people died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Mapara Road in Acacia Bay late Friday night. Emergency services responded to the incident around 11.45pm. The Serious Crash Unit examined the site overnight, and the road reopened shortly after 7am on Saturday.
4 outlets · Wellington business owners hopeful after difficult year
Following a gruelling 2024, Wellington business owners are expressing cautious optimism for the year ahead. Business Central chief executive Simon Arcus noted that many were unaware of the severity of the challenges faced last year. Some owners report a renewed sense of energy in the city as 2025 begins.
3 outlets · Union says decision on proposed Waikato medical school is delayed
The junior doctors' union claims a decision on a proposed $380 million medical school in Hamilton is taking too long. The Ministry of Health is currently developing a business case and cost benefit analysis alongside the University of Waikato. Ministers are expected to be informed before mid-year.
3 outlets · Fishers urged to stop lighting fires in Auckland regional parks
Auckland Council is urging fishers to stop lighting open fires to cook their catch in regional parks. Recent blazes caused by cooking have destroyed significant vegetation and planting areas. While gas barbeques are permitted, lighting open fires in public areas within the Auckland region is illegal.
3 outlets · Customs reports significant seizures of illicit goods at New Zealand borders
Since 2020, Customs officers have intercepted over 5,167kg of cocaine and 6,241kg of methamphetamine. Other seized items include more than 32 million cigarettes and 839 firearms. In 2022, a single cocaine seizure exceeding 700kg was discovered at the Port of Tauranga.
2 outlets · Police seek help identifying man after Christchurch school fire
Police are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred at Mairehau Primary School in Christchurch on Christmas Day. Authorities have released a photo of a man and are asking the public for assistance in identifying him to help with their enquiries.
2 outlets · New Zealander becomes first female groundskeeper at Lord's Cricket Ground
Meg Lay, who grew up on a Canterbury farm, has become the first woman to work as a groundskeeper at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. After moving to the United Kingdom three years ago, the New Zealander is now fulfilling her dream job at the historic venue.
2 outlets · SailGP racing begins at Wynyard Point in Auckland
A fleet of 11 F50 foiling catamarans is competing in SailGP on the Waitematā Harbour. The racing event is taking place at Wynyard Point on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January. This marks the global foiling league's return to New Zealand after previous editions in Lyttelton.
2 outlets · PETA seeks criminal convictions following sheep shearing investigation
The Ministry for Primary Industries has completed the first phase of an investigation into alleged animal welfare breaches during sheep shearing. The probe was prompted by undercover video footage released by PETA. The animal rights group expressed hope that the investigation will lead to criminal convictions.
2 outlets · DOC rangers respond to distress call in Nelson Lakes National Park
Two Department of Conservation rangers launched an overnight search and rescue mission after hearing someone calling for help. The rangers were surveying kea near Hinapouri Tarn when they heard the cries during deteriorating weather conditions.
2 outlets · Hamilton woman sentenced for rental fraud scheme
Christine Joy Scott, a 49-year-old teacher aide, has been sentenced to 10 months of home detention. She used fake driver's licences to defraud four property rental companies of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent over nearly three years.
3 outlets · Tramper rescued from Mt Angelus after being stranded in fog
Two Department of Conservation rangers rescued a tramper on Mt Angelus in Nelson Lakes National Park. The rescue mission began after rangers heard calls for help at nightfall. Thick fog and poor visibility forced the search to be paused until morning.
2 outlets · Luke Combs delivers country music performance at Auckland's Eden Park
American country singer Luke Combs performed at Eden Park in Auckland. The concert featured high-quality musicianship and a party atmosphere. During the show, Combs wore a New Zealand national rugby team cap as a tribute to the stadium.
2 outlets ·
