Kiwi woman fighting for life after alleged attack in Brisbane
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, is in serious condition at a Queensland hospital after she was allegedly set on fire by her ex-partner on Saturday. The attack occurred at a home in Kingston, south of Brisbane. The man involved has been charged with attempted murder and other offences.
4 outlets · Police investigate armed robbery at Takapuna restaurant
Two people armed with non-firearm weapons entered Tokyo Bay on The Strand around 9.25pm on Sunday. The offenders smashed windows to enter the restaurant and threatened staff before fleeing in a vehicle with stolen items. No one was injured during the incident.
4 outlets · One person dead after single-vehicle crash in Kaipara
A person has died following a single-vehicle accident on State Highway 14 near Tangiteroria in Kaipara. A passing motorist discovered the vehicle off the road on Monday evening. The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and police inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
4 outlets · Elite cyclists chase down man who allegedly stole a bike
A man has been arrested in Invercargill after allegedly stealing a $15,000 road bike. The theft occurred on Saturday while a group of elite cyclists were eating following a national racing event. Two cyclists reportedly chased and apprehended the individual after he travelled approximately three blocks.
+15 outlets · US woman in court after alleged $11m methamphetamine smuggling attempt
A 24-year-old American woman has appeared in Manukau District Court after Customs found approximately 31kg of methamphetamine in her suitcases. The woman arrived at Auckland Airport from San Francisco on Saturday, where the vacuum-sealed packages were discovered during a search.
4 outlets · Man arrested and charged after gun fired at Middlemore Hospital
A 34-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court following a firearms incident at Middlemore Hospital on 4 January. Police say a gun was allegedly fired from a vehicle during an altercation in the hospital carpark. No injuries were reported during the incident.
4 outlets · Two charged and vehicles impounded after alleged Southland street racing
Two men have been charged with illegal street racing following an incident in Tuatapere last November. Police executed search warrants in Tuatapere and Winton last week, impounding two vehicles allegedly travelling at three times the speed limit. The investigation follows reports of a vehicle crashing into a paddock on Grove Burn Road.
4 outlets · Man dies in Wellington Hospital after December altercation
A man has died in Wellington Hospital after sustaining a brain injury during an altercation at Hutt Hospital on 27 December. Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident. The man was transported to Wellington following the fight in the Boulcott area.
4 outlets · Homegrown music festival to leave Wellington after 18 years
The Homegrown music festival will hold its final Wellington waterfront event this March. After running in the capital since 2008, the festival is set to move to a new city in 2026. Director Andrew Tuck cited various personal and logistical reasons for the relocation.
4 outlets · James Meager appointed as new Minister for the South Island
Rangitata MP James Meager has been appointed as the Minister for the South Island following a Cabinet reshuffle. He will serve as a minister outside of Cabinet and will also manage the Hunting and Fishing, Youth, and Associate Transport portfolios.
+15 outlets · Auckland ferry cruises through SailGP practice session
An Auckland passenger ferry travelling from Bayswater to the city cut through a SailGP practice session in Waitematā Harbour. Video of the incident shows catamarans taking evasive action, though Auckland Transport stated the ferry had right of way and maintained a safe distance.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for upper North Island
MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula due to a subtropical low. Residents in Auckland and Gisborne are also under heavy rain watches. The weather, which includes potential thunderstorms and gale-force winds, is expected to begin mid-afternoon.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across the upper North Island
A subtropical low is bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds to the upper North Island. Authorities have warned Aucklanders to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for potential harbour bridge lane closures. Northland is also under an orange heavy-rain warning as the system moves south.
2 outlets · New turning lane to be built on State Highway 1 near Picton
A new turning lane and flush median will be constructed at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Freeths Road in Koromiko. The project aims to improve safety for motorists accessing a new caravan park, following three crashes at the site over the last five years.
4 outlets · Ultrarunner's team attacked by dogs on Te Araroa trail
Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe reported that his team was attacked by dogs in Northland. The incident occurred during the first week of his attempt to complete the shortest-ever traverse of the Te Araroa trail.
2 outlets · Māngere Mountain fire believed to be deliberate
An Auckland Council maunga authority representative says fire crews informed them that a blaze on Māngere Mountain over the weekend was intentionally lit. The fire spread across the crater walls, leaving them burnt. Fire and Emergency has declined to confirm if the fires are being treated as arson.
2 outlets · Canterbury water zone committees face potential restructure
Ten water zone committees in Canterbury may be restructured after more than a decade of managing local water resources. While these groups were created to implement the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, the Ashburton chair has raised concerns regarding accountability in the proposed new model.
2 outlets · Motorcyclist identified following Christmas Eve crash in Tauranga
Christopher Bernard Halligan Lee, 36, of Ohauiti, has died following a two-vehicle crash on Lloyd Street in Parkvale. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 24 December 2024. Police have released his name and extended sympathies to his family and friends.
2 outlets · Fire breaks out at Hamilton scrap metal yard
Firefighters are battling a blaze at a car wreckers yard on Ellis Street in Frankton. The fire started on Monday afternoon, producing thick black smoke. Emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after 5pm to contain the fire.
2 outlets · Man in court facing charges for alleged sexual violation near Queenstown
A defendant is appearing in Invercargill District Court to face eight charges relating to an alleged sexual violation near Coronet Peak. During the incident, a woman reportedly called her husband and sent a photograph to police. The trial is expected to last between four and five days.
2 outlets · Man avoids jail after punching ex-partner unconscious in Hamilton
Tagiilima Auga was sentenced for punching his former partner on the side of the head during an early morning incident in downtown Hamilton. The assault occurred after the victim attempted to walk away from Auga, rendering her unconscious. Bystanders intervened during the altercation.
2 outlets · Surf Lifesaving New Zealand issues warning after multiple rescues
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is advising people to swim between the flags following several rescues over the weekend. Lifeguards saved four people at Christchurch beaches, while surfers rescued a family in difficulty at Piha on Sunday.
4 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death of a woman in Whangārei
A woman was found unresponsive at a property on Moody Avenue in Whau Valley on Saturday. Police are investigating the circumstances of the death, which is not currently being treated as suspicious. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday.
2 outlets · Person seriously injured after flying fox snaps in Motupiko
A person was seriously injured on Saturday afternoon when a flying fox snapped at Quinney's Bush Camp in Tasman. Emergency services were called to the Motupiko site at 4.45pm, and the individual was taken to Nelson Hospital. WorkSafe is currently making inquiries into the incident.
2 outlets · Erosion concerns rise at Westshore Beach as trees face sea
Two Norfolk pines at Westshore Beach are at risk of falling into the ocean. The Napier City Council has stated that the trees cannot be saved, reigniting a long-standing debate regarding coastal erosion in the area.
2 outlets · Phil Mauger confirms bid for second Christchurch mayoral term
Incumbent Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger has announced he will seek re-election in the October local government elections. In a statement released on Monday, Mauger pledged to keep rates increases as low as possible and stated the city is moving in a positive direction.
2 outlets · Auckland Council proposes new restrictions on dog walking in parks
Auckland Council is considering rules to limit the number of dogs walked at once to six, with only three allowed off-leash. The proposal includes making more regional and local parks dog-free while creating new off-leash areas to protect wildlife and public safety.
2 outlets · Karen Chhour recuses herself from abuse redress scheme decisions
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has stepped away from decisions regarding the abuse redress scheme because she may be eligible for compensation. She has delegated these responsibilities to Social Development Minister Louise Upston to avoid a potential conflict of interest.
2 outlets · Christchurch mayor moves abandoned trailer after eight-month wait
Mayor Phil Mauger has personally arranged for the removal of an abandoned double trailer in Aranui. The graffitied unit had been blocking residents' views for eight months despite numerous complaints to the Christchurch City Council.
2 outlets · Industry groups to oppose government plan for trades training
Industry groups intend to oppose the government's preferred option regarding the future of apprenticeships and workplace training. Representatives, including the Motor Trade Association, expressed frustration that the process lacks industry input and could lead to further disengagement from the sector.
2 outlets · Pilot whales restrand at Golden Bay
A pod of pilot whales has restranded high up the beach at Golden Bay. More whales died overnight, prompting rescuers to return to the site to assist the survivors. Volunteers have been working in deep water to help the remaining whales until high tide.
3 outlets · Napier teen's meningitis death prompts calls for funded vaccinations
The death of 16-year-old cheerleader Ashia Kizilay has led her mother to call for funded meningitis vaccinations for all. Friends of the Hawke's Bay teenager will hold a memorial walk in Napier on 2 February. Kizilay was reportedly ineligible for a free vaccine at the time of her death.
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