Person critically injured after tree falls on campervan in Balmoral
A person was critically injured after a large tree fell on a campervan at the Balmoral Recreation Reserve on Sunday night. Emergency services used a digger to free the individual from the wreckage. The victim was taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment.
+26 outlets · Oral submissions begin for the Treaty Principles Bill
The Justice Committee commenced oral hearings for the Treaty Principles Bill at Parliament on Monday. The process follows more than 300,000 written submissions and includes sharply opposing views regarding the legislation. The committee is expected to report back to Parliament by mid-year.
+26 outlets · Two teenagers arrested after overnight crime spree in Invercargill
Two teenagers have been arrested following a series of crimes in Invercargill, starting with a stolen Mazda from Kingswell. The duo allegedly attempted to rob a jewellery store and a service station before breaking into a Winsdor dairy to steal cash, vapes, and confectionery.
+15 outlets · Tornado causes widespread destruction in Mangawhai
A suspected tornado has devastated Mangawhai in Northland, leaving two people in serious condition and damaging dozens of properties. Debris and downed power poles were reported across the township, with over 100 homes remaining without power. Building inspectors have assessed numerous properties, stickering 35 homes as yellow or white.
+15 outlets · Government to allow digital nomads to work remotely in New Zealand
Ministers have announced a plan to relax visitor visa requirements, allowing overseas workers like IT specialists and influencers to work for foreign employers while visiting. The scheme may allow visitors to extend their stays from three to six months, with some able to remain for up to nine months.
+15 outlets · Māngere state houses remain propped up two years after Auckland floods
Two years after the Auckland Anniversary floods, four state houses in Māngere remain propped up with poles. The homes lifted during the 2023 storm, which killed four people and caused widespread damage. Questions have been raised regarding the polystyrene blocks used in the foundations of these properties.
3 outlets · Ashburton council to reduce support for heritage tree maintenance
Ashburton District Council will no longer assist residents with maintaining heritage trees on their properties due to budget pressures. An Allenton homeowner was informed that the responsibility for trimming her large California Redwood now rests solely with her.
+15 outlets · Man charged after police find cannabis plants in Roxburgh
A man faces multiple charges after police executed a search warrant at a Roxburgh house on 17 January. Officers discovered five indoor tents containing 12 mature cannabis plants and a quantity of dried cannabis.
3 outlets · Two people seriously injured in State Highway 1 crash north of Marton
A two-vehicle crash north of Marton on Monday afternoon left two people with serious injuries. Emergency services, including a helicopter, responded to the incident shortly after 2pm. State Highway 1 has since reopened following the closure.
3 outlets · Motorcyclist killed in Christchurch crash on Saturday
Liam Ryan-Morris died on Saturday afternoon after his motorbike collided with a truck on Buchanans Road in Hei Hei. Friends have shared tributes to the man, describing him as a kind and caring father.
3 outlets · Mystery person altering Napier street names into crude words
An unidentified individual has been changing dozens of street names in Napier to crude words for several months. The tampering has cost ratepayers more than $5,000 in repair costs. Local residents have expressed that the actions are not amusing.
3 outlets · New Zealand reviews aid programme for Kiribati
New Zealand's aid programme for Kiribati is under review following the cancellation of a meeting between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Kiribati's leadership. The review comes amid concerns regarding a lack of open dialogue and Kiribati's increasing aid from China.
2 outlets · Logging trains return to Napier-Palmerston North line
A new agreement between Ernslaw One, KiwiRail, and Napier Port has reintroduced logging trains on the Napier-Palmerston North line. Running five days a week, the 19-wagon trains will transport 600 tonnes of logs to Napier Port. This move aims to remove 21 logging trucks from the deteriorating Napier-Taihape Road daily.
2 outlets · MetService issues strong wind watch for parts of the South Island
MetService has issued a strong wind watch for several southern regions, including Southland, Dunedin, and Central Otago. A new frontal system is expected to bring potentially damaging winds and strong gusts to much of the South Island. Heavy rain may also cause rivers and streams in South Westland to rise rapidly.
2 outlets · Masterton council incorrectly told business it required more toilets
Masterton District Council refused building consent for a single unisex toilet at Spud Motors, claiming the workshop needed two facilities to meet the Building Code. The automotive business protested the requirement despite having only two staff members and a maximum of four people on the premises.
4 outlets · New visa rules aim to attract digital nomads to New Zealand
Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced changes to visitor visa rules to allow digital nomads to work for foreign employers. The initiative, announced at Wellington Airport, aims to boost economic growth through high-volume tourism, though some have questioned the potential economic impact.
2 outlets · Avian botulism kills birds at Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant
More than 1,000 birds have died near the Waikouaiti Estuary due to an outbreak of avian botulism type-C. The Dunedin City Council identified the disease, which causes paralysis, spreading from the council-operated wastewater treatment plant's oxidation ponds.
2 outlets · Dunedin transformed for filming of Netflix adaptation of East of Eden
Parts of Dunedin were used as an 1800s Californian town for the filming of a new Netflix drama. Actress Florence Pugh was seen in period costume in the city over the weekend. The production has led to increased interest in the original John Steinbeck novel.
3 outlets · Thai woman identified following Southland two-vehicle crash
Police have named Thachawalai Youngdaeng of Thailand as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash near Winton. The accident occurred on the Winton Lorneville Highway, also known as State Highway 6, and left two people critically injured.
3 outlets · State Highway 5 reopens after serious two-vehicle crash near Waipunga
State Highway 5 has reopened following a serious two-vehicle crash near Matea Road on Monday afternoon. Police were alerted to the incident around 4pm, resulting in three people suffering moderate injuries. Emergency services, including three rescue helicopters, attended the scene near the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay border.
2 outlets · Parliament begins hearings for the Treaty Principles Bill
The Justice Select Committee has commenced in-person submissions regarding the Treaty Principles Bill. On the first day of hearings, various individuals and lobby groups presented arguments both for and against the proposed legislation. The committee is expected to continue listening to submissions for at least nine more days.
2 outlets · Summer snow falls on Mt Hutt following cold southerlies
Snow has fallen on Mt Hutt as cold southerly winds move across the South Island. Temperatures in some areas have dropped by four degrees, with Gore reaching a maximum of 15C. Meteorologists described the summer snow as unusual.
2 outlets · Inland Revenue seeks liquidation of Nick Mills' hospitality businesses
Inland Revenue has applied to liquidate several Wellington hospitality companies owned by radio host Nick Mills over unpaid taxes totalling nearly $1 million. A High Court judge will decide on the liquidation application at a hearing scheduled for 4 February.
2 outlets · Napier earthquake memorial service moved forward by one day
The memorial for the 94th anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake will be held on 2 February. The service will be incorporated into the 10am Sunday service at Waiapu Cathedral to allow for higher attendance.
2 outlets · Names released for two people killed in Temuka vehicle crash
Police have identified Benjamin Joseph Downes, 32, and Shakana Ackroyd, 19, who died following a two-vehicle crash on Milford Clandeboye Road. Mr Downes died at the scene on Wednesday, while Ms Ackroyd died in hospital on Friday. Both individuals were from Temuka.
2 outlets · Charter schools receive high volume of applications before opening
Seven publicly funded, privately owned charter schools are set to open within the next fortnight. Some institutions are already turning students away due to high demand, including a Christchurch school with 60 enrolments and a 40-student waitlist. Tipene boarding school is scheduled to open in Auckland on Waitangi Day.
+37 outlets · Woman arrested following series of rock attacks in Grey Lynn
A 39-year-old woman has been arrested after a series of rock attacks on Sackville Street in Grey Lynn. The incidents involved rocks being thrown through windows, including a peak two weeks ago when six houses were targeted in a single day. Residents reported damage to multiple properties over the period.
3 outlets · New $650,000 jetty planned for Waitaria Bay following closure
The Waitaria Bay jetty in Kenepuru has been closed due to safety concerns. A replacement jetty is expected to begin construction in mid-2025 at an estimated cost of $650,000. The closure has left the local school feeling more isolated.
3 outlets · Nicola Willis outlines vision for economic growth
New economic growth minister Nicola Willis has expressed a desire for New Zealand to achieve growth levels similar to Ireland and Singapore. This vision comes as economists evaluate Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's recent State of the Nation speech regarding economic strategy.
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