Luxon suggests National may campaign on asset sales in 2026
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated that the National Party may campaign on selling state assets during the 2026 election. While he has ruled out selling state houses, he remains open to the debate regarding other assets. No immediate plans for sell-offs are currently on the agenda.
+26 outlets · New Zealand reviews Kiribati aid following diplomatic rift
New Zealand has paused its aid programme to Kiribati following a lack of political contact. While Kiribati officials claim President Taneti Maamau missed a meeting with Winston Peters due to a pre-planned event, the Foreign Minister has rejected this explanation. The government is currently finalising a review of its aid terms.
+15 outlets · Search continues for swimmer missing at Piha Beach
A search is underway for a man who went missing after a group of six swimmers were swept out to sea by a rip at Piha Beach on Tuesday afternoon. While five people were rescued, the sixth member of the group remains missing. Police and Land Search and Rescue are conducting shoreline and aerial searches.
4 outlets · Police Commissioner proposes disestablishing 37 executive and support roles
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has released a restructuring proposal to consolidate roles and responsibilities. The plan involves disestablishing 37 executive and support service positions while creating 20 new roles. Affected staff received the consultation document on Tuesday, with feedback being accepted until 10 February.
+26 outlets · Specialist teams search Hutt River for missing 28-year-old man
Police are searching the Hutt River and riverbank for Thomas Basire, who has been missing for two months. He was last seen walking on the stop bank towards Petone near Ewen Bridge on 24 November 2024.
4 outlets · Man arrested after police pursuit through Auckland ends in Onehunga
A man is in custody following a pursuit across Auckland that ended in an Onehunga shopping centre car park. The chase involved a blue Subaru with mismatching plates, resulting in damage to three police vehicles. Police used spikes multiple times to attempt to stop the vehicle.
4 outlets · Man charged with manslaughter following death at Hutt Hospital
A 23-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following an altercation at Hutt Hospital on 27 December. The 75-year-old victim sustained a brain injury during the incident and died on 19 January. The accused is expected to face the Hutt Valley District Court.
4 outlets · Second arrest made after gun allegedly fired outside Middlemore Hospital
Police have arrested a 23-year-old man following an incident where a firearm was allegedly fired from a vehicle in a Middlemore Hospital carpark on 4 January. No one was injured during the event. A 34-year-old man had previously been arrested in connection with the matter.
4 outlets · One person killed in serious SH1 crash near Wellsford
A car driver has died following a collision with a truck on State Highway 1 in Wellsford on Tuesday morning. Police were notified of the crash at 8.20am, and the serious crash unit is currently examining the scene. The road remains closed between School and Bosher roads.
4 outlets · Friend witnesses New Zealander allegedly set on fire in Brisbane
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, was allegedly set on fire by her ex-partner in Brisbane on 18 January. Her friend, Emma Nguyen, was present during the attack and stated she was glad she could be there to help. The victim was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital with severe burns.
3 outlets · Google Maps to rename Gulf of Mexico for US users
Google Maps plans to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America once the US Geographic Names System is officially updated. The new name will be visible in the United States, while Mexico will continue to see the original name. Users outside these two countries will see both names.
3 outlets · Taranaki couple wins $8.3 million Powerball jackpot
A couple from Taranaki has won an $8.3 million Powerball prize from last Wednesday's draw. The pair, who requested anonymity, have been playing the same set of numbers for nearly 20 years. They described the win as absolutely incredible.
4 outlets · Police seek witnesses after person stabbed in Palmerston North bar
Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred at a Main Street bar in Palmerston North around 11.30pm on Monday. One person was found with a stab wound to the neck following an altercation between a small group and required hospital treatment. Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
4 outlets · Tasman communities await speed limit reductions after government rule delay
Small communities in the Tasman region are expressing frustration over delays to proposed speed limit reductions. The Tasman District Council is currently re-consulting on changes intended to lower speeds on high-risk rural roads and near several rural schools.
4 outlets · Three Southland roads may revert to gravel due to funding issues
The Southland District Council is considering returning three roads to gravel due to maintenance and funding challenges. The council manages nearly 5,000km of roads but faces difficulties securing enough funding from NZTA and a small ratepayer base.
+15 outlets · Southbound State Highway 59 closed at Tawa after serious crash
State Highway 59 is closed southbound between Mungavin and Tawa following a serious crash. Police attended the scene at approximately 5.55pm, where one person was taken to hospital in critical condition. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes while the Serious Crash Unit investigates.
2 outlets · Wellington rugby player Pakaitore Turia has died
Promising rugby player Pakaitore Turia has passed away in Brisbane. The grandson of Dame Tariana Turia played 113 caps for Pōneke Rugby Club and was a leading player for Wellington College. Clubs in Wellington and Brisbane have expressed condolences following his death.
2 outlets · Chinese medicine practitioner ordered to apologise and seek mentorship
The Health and Disability Commissioner has ordered a Chinese medicine practitioner to apologise to a patient and engage a mentor for one year. The decision follows allegations that the practitioner breached patient rights by asking personal questions and inappropriately touching the woman during a massage in 2021.
2 outlets · David Seymour urges New Zealanders to move past privatisation concerns
ACT Party leader David Seymour has advised New Zealanders to overcome their hesitation regarding privatisation. Analysis suggests that public reluctance stems from the state asset sales of the 1980s and 1990s, which saw public wealth transferred into private hands.
2 outlets · Rawiri Waititi condemns police operation targeting Rotorua homeless population
Te Pāti Māori MP Rawiri Waititi has criticised police's Operation Trolley in Rotorua. The operation, which ran from 21 to 23 January, resulted in 13 arrests involving theft, assault, bail breaches and trespassing.
2 outlets · Police issue amber alert for missing 11-year-old in New Plymouth
An amber alert has been issued for Hayley Ford, who disappeared from her Marfell home on Tuesday morning. The 11-year-old, who has an intellectual disability, was last seen at approximately 7am. Police are appealing for public assistance to locate her.
3 outlets · Paul Wilcock identified as victim of Arthur's Pass crash
Paul Wilcock, 54, of Kumara, has been named as the man who died following a crash on State Highway 73 in Arthur's Pass on Sunday. He was travelling from the West Coast to Christchurch to visit family when the incident occurred.
2 outlets · Nicola Willis supports government push for increased mining
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has expressed support for expanding the mining sector to boost the economy. While the government intends to grow the industry, the opposition has claimed the move is a cover for extracting fossil fuels.
2 outlets · Amelia Kerr named ICC women's cricketer of the year
White Fern Amelia Kerr has been named the ICC's best female player. The 24-year-old is the first New Zealander to win the top individual cricket award, beating competitors from South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
2 outlets · Man accused of sexual relationship with minor avoids police
A 20-year-old man, Luca Fairgray, allegedly jumped from a bedroom window and hid under a house to avoid police. Court proceedings heard that Fairgray was being sought in relation to a missing 13-year-old girl and admitted being aware of the age difference.
2 outlets · Police officer on trial for alleged perjury regarding radar certification
Constable James Philip Cox has pleaded not guilty to perjury charges. Police allege he lied under oath at the North Shore District Court in January 2023 by claiming he was certified to use a radar speeding device. The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
2 outlets · Ashburton-raised filly sets New Zealand sale record at Karaka
A brown filly from Haunui Farm sold for $2.4 million at the Karaka yearling sales on Monday. The Savabeel-sired horse, which is a full sister to champion Orpheus, broke a 25-year-old record for the highest price ever paid for a filly in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Mackenzie District mayor to step aside for cancer treatment
Mayor Anne Munro will step away from her public duties to undergo treatment following a cancer diagnosis received just before Christmas. Munro has requested privacy for herself and her family during this time.
3 outlets · Christchurch teenager dies after swimming at Southshore Beach
Nineteen-year-old Cale Wills died after being reported missing while swimming at Southshore Beach last Thursday. His body was discovered by a member of the public the following day. The Hagley College student, who was preparing to start university, was remembered as a much-loved member of his school community during his tangi.
3 outlets · Fire and Emergency warns after tablet battery causes car fire
A car fire in Mount Maunganui was caused by a tablet battery exploding after being left on a blanket in direct sunlight. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has issued a warning regarding the safe use and storage of lithium-ion battery powered devices.
2 outlets · Court denies Mariya Taylor exemplary damages from the RNZAF
A High Court has ruled that Mariya Taylor will not receive exemplary damages from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Taylor was an 18-year-old recruit when she was abused by her superior, Robert Roper, at the Whenuapai airbase during the late 1980s.
2 outlets · At least 55 rare hihi chicks hatch in Auckland regional park
At least 55 hihi chicks have hatched in Shakespear Regional Park's Open Sanctuary this summer. The births follow a translocation project last year involving 40 adult birds. Conservationists say the number of hatchlings has exceeded all expectations.
2 outlets · Report on Manurewa Marae data misuse claims due next week
An investigation into allegations that personal Census and Covid-19 vaccination data from Manurewa Marae was misused during the 2023 election will be released next week. The Public Service Commission stated that its inquiry identified issues that require further investigation by other authorities.
2 outlets · Jewish groups condemn hotline for reporting Israeli soldiers on holiday
The New Zealand Jewish Council has called for a police investigation into a 'genocide hotline' promoted by activist John Minto. The Palestinian Solidarity Network is using the hotline to report sightings of Israeli soldiers holidaying in New Zealand. Minto has responded by stating that Israeli soldiers are not welcome.
3 outlets · Wellington bus lane cameras issue $221,250 in fines over five weeks
New fixed cameras in Wellington have issued 1,475 tickets since 9 December. The fines, totalling $221,250, were recorded between 9 December and 17 January. The cameras are located on Riddiford Street, Adelaide Road, and Chaytor Street.
3 outlets · Kiwibank reduces some fixed mortgage and term deposit rates
Kiwibank has lowered interest rates for several short-term fixed home loans and term deposits. Effective from Tuesday, the six-month special rate has decreased to 5.99 percent, while the one-year and two-year special rates have also been reduced.
2 outlets · New digital nomad visa to target highly paid remote workers
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced a new visa for highly skilled, highly paid workers. The visa would allow individuals to work for overseas employers while staying in New Zealand for up to nine months.
2 outlets · Ministry for Primary Industries investigating teenage boy attacking octopus
The Ministry for Primary Industries is making inquiries after a video surfaced showing a teenage boy punching and kicking a live octopus. The incident reportedly occurred at a Tauranga beach while the boy was with friends. An animal welfare organisation lodged a complaint following the footage.
2 outlets · New visitor visa rules for digital nomads attract overseas interest
New Zealand's decision to loosen visitor visa rules has already drawn interest from abroad. Starting this week, digital nomads such as social media influencers and IT specialists can apply to live and work in the country for nine months. Some Americans affected by Los Angeles fires have reportedly shown interest.
2 outlets · Hearings begin for controversial Akaroa wastewater plant replacement
Resource consent hearings will start on Tuesday in Akaroa regarding a proposed wastewater plant replacement. The Christchurch City Council aims to move the facility from a site of a 19th-century massacre and reduce wastewater discharge into the harbour. The community remains divided over the long-debated plans.
2 outlets · Westpac cleared of fault after pensioner withdrew $300,000 in cash
The Banking Ombudsman found Westpac was not at fault after a Wairarapa pensioner withdrew more than $300,000 in cash over 34 months. The widow's family had raised concerns regarding teller-assisted withdrawals made before her death in July 2020.
2 outlets · Thousands of children start school year lacking basic essentials
Many students in Southland are beginning the school year without necessary items such as uniforms, shoes, stationery, and food. The charity KidsCan is providing essential supplies to help disadvantaged children access learning.
2 outlets · New report highlights retirement savings divide and rising costs
A new report shows most New Zealanders will need income beyond NZ Super to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Experts suggest retirees may need to reassess plans due to the high cost of living and a divide between metro and provincial areas.
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