Wednesday 29 January 2025
41 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Government to reverse speed limit reductions on 38 state highway sections
The Government will increase speed limits on 38 sections of the state highway network, including parts of State Highway 1 and SH16. The changes begin on Wednesday night, starting with State Highway 2 in Wairarapa, and are expected to be completed by 1 July. Officials will also consult on potentially lifting limits on 49 additional sections.
+15 outlets · Cyclist killed in hit and run in Ōkaihau
A 19-year-old cyclist died following a suspected hit-and-run on Settlers Way in Ōkaihau on Tuesday night. Police believe the collision between the cyclist and a vehicle occurred between 10pm and 10.15pm. An investigation team is working to locate the person responsible for the incident.
+15 outlets · Man arrested after alleged stabbing in Palmerston North park
A 25-year-old man has been arrested following an alleged unprovoked stabbing at a reserve on Dogwood Way in Palmerston North. The victim was taken to hospital in serious condition on Wednesday afternoon. Police are currently investigating the incident.
4 outlets · One person critically injured in three-vehicle crash near Picton
Three people were injured during a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 at Tuamarina on Wednesday morning. One person was thrown from their vehicle after it hit a wire barrier and sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency services were called to the scene between Bush and Para Roads at approximately 6.30am.
4 outlets · Police warn of violent robberies during online marketplace transactions
Canterbury Police have issued a warning following more than a dozen reports of people being threatened, attacked, or robbed while collecting goods. Inspector Ash Tabb stated there have been 13 reported violent-related offences linked to Facebook Marketplace interactions over the last year, including eight robberies.
4 outlets · Strong 5.3 magnitude earthquake shakes lower North Island
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10km east of Eketāhuna at approximately 11.26pm on Tuesday. The quake was 35km deep and felt by more than 23,000 people. Shaking was reported in areas including Masterton and Palmerston North.
4 outlets · Water supply shut off in Auckland Hospital main building for repairs
A water leak in ward 38 has necessitated a shutdown of the water system in building 32 at Auckland Hospital. The outage, which began at 6pm and may last up to 10 hours, affects operating theatres and maternity suites. Staff will be provided with portable sinks and bottled water during the repairs.
3 outlets · New documentary about Jacinda Ardern receives mixed international reviews
The documentary Prime Minister, which chronicles Dame Jacinda Ardern's time in office, has premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film has received mixed reviews globally. Ardern stated she supported the project because it did not seek Film Commission funding and noted it covers both the highs and lows of her tenure.
3 outlets · Search resumes for person missing in Waikato River near Cambridge
Police have resumed searching for a person seen struggling in fast-flowing water near the Victoria Bridge on Tuesday evening. The operation is currently focused on the riverbanks around Waipā. Emergency services were first called to the scene at approximately 8pm.
4 outlets · Man due in court after police pursuit across Auckland
A 31-year-old Northland man is appearing in Auckland District Court following a police pursuit through several suburbs on Tuesday. The driver allegedly fled after being stopped on the Northwestern Motorway, causing damage to three police vehicles. He faces charges including aggravated assault, reckless driving, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
3 outlets · Fatbergs caused majority of New Plymouth wastewater blockages last year
New Plymouth District Council officials report that fatbergs caused approximately 70 per cent of local wastewater network blockages last year. These masses, formed from cooking fat and other items, contributed to 125 blockages. The council has already cleared seven fatbergs since the start of the year.
3 outlets · Christchurch man dies after sudden medical event in Canada
Matthew Mitchell, 22, died on 23 January following a medical incident while working at a restaurant in Whistler, British Columbia. The Christchurch native was on a working holiday in Canada when the event occurred. A fundraising page has raised over $15,000 to assist with bringing him home.
4 outlets · Avian botulism kills over 1000 waterfowl near Waikouaiti wastewater plant
More than 1,000 waterfowl have died from suspected avian botulism near the Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant north of Dunedin. Dunedin City Council believes the outbreak is contained, while Otago Fish & Game continues to monitor nearby wetlands. Approximately 40 black-backed gulls have also died from the disease near Timaru.
3 outlets · Shane Jones faces criticism after shouting ''send the Mexicans home'
New Zealand First Minister Shane Jones has been accused of stoking racist sentiment after shouting ''send the Mexicans home' during a parliamentary debate. Jones has defended the comments, describing the situation as a 'Mexican stand-off'. The Green Party has called for action following the incident.
2 outlets · Greens seek reprimand over New Zealand First comments on migrants
The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister and Speaker of the House to reprimand government ministers. This follows comments made by New Zealand First Minister Shane Jones, who reportedly yelled "Send the Mexicans home" during a parliamentary debate.
3 outlets · Pharmac reconsidering decision to fund single brand of HRT patches
Pharmac is reviewing its plan to fund only one brand of oestrogen patches after receiving considerable feedback. The patches are used for hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming care. The agency previously announced it would move from the Estradot brand to a single funded brand in late 2024.
3 outlets · Drake reschedules Auckland concert dates due to scheduling conflicts
Canadian rapper Drake has rescheduled his two Anita Max Win Tour shows at Spark Arena. Originally planned for late February and early March, the changes have caused disruption for fans regarding flights and accommodation. The rescheduling comes approximately one month before the original performance dates.
2 outlets · Fonterra to reduce fossil gas use by 38 per cent
Fonterra plans to convert two North Island gas boilers to electricity at its Whareroa and Edgecumbe sites. The dairy co-operative expects the project to lower its total fossil gas consumption by approximately 38 per cent. The transition will be completed in stages over several years.
2 outlets · DOC warns of serious harm following orca sightings in Waikato
The Department of Conservation has issued a warning after a pod of five orcas was spotted in Raglan and Kawhia harbours. Officials say interacting with the whales could risk serious harm to people and the animals, particularly the calves.
2 outlets · Beauden Barrett supports NZ Rugby eligibility rules
All Black Beauden Barrett has expressed support for NZ Rugby's current stance on player eligibility for test selection. Speaking at a Blues training session in Auckland, Barrett praised the governing body for its position on the issue.
2 outlets · Dutch national jailed for smuggling $1.6m of methamphetamine
A 69-year-old Dutch national has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine through Auckland Airport. Customs officers intercepted 4.4kg of the drug, valued at approximately $1.6 million, hidden in the man's hand luggage in September 2024.
2 outlets · Police investigate social media activity linked to genocide hotline
Police are investigating threatening social media messages related to a 'genocide hotline' mentioned in a Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa leaflet. The hotline aims to track Israeli soldiers and reservists holidaying in New Zealand. It remains to be seen if charges will be laid.
2 outlets · Kian McNamara named after court declines name suppression for murder conviction
Kian McNamara can now be named following a Court of Appeal decision regarding his 2021 murder conviction. McNamara was 14 years old when he stabbed Bram Willems near the Roadrunner Tavern between Ōpua and Paihia.
2 outlets · Dunedin launches campaign to attract professionals from larger cities
Enterprise Dunedin has introduced the 'Dunedin Works Better' campaign to encourage professionals in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown to relocate. The $10,000 initiative uses a tongue-in-cheek approach to promote a better work-life balance and lower living costs. The campaign includes a billboard located in Wellington.
2 outlets · Wellington LIVE owner Graham Bloxham announces mayoral candidacy
Graham Bloxham, the owner of the Wellington LIVE Facebook page, has announced he will run for mayor as an independent centre-left candidate. Bloxham has sold the social media page and has made various promises regarding city projects, including a tunnel in Mount Victoria.
2 outlets · Fire crews contain vegetation fire in Porirua suburb of Whitby
Fourteen crews responded to a large vegetation fire in Spinnaker Reserve on Wednesday afternoon. Some nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution, but Fire and Emergency say the blaze was contained before reaching Mercury Way.
2 outlets · Hill country farmers invest in self-shedding sheep to reduce costs
Some New Zealand hill country sheep farmers are breeding Wiltshire and Nudies sheep to eliminate shearing costs. This economic decision comes as strong wool prices rise due to a lower exchange rate and renewed interest in wool for home interiors.
2 outlets · Grey Lynn woman denied bail after alleged rock throwing spree
A 39-year-old woman has been remanded in custody following reports of windows being smashed by rocks on Sackville Street in Auckland. She faces three counts of intentional damage after being arrested on Monday. The attacks allegedly targeted multiple properties in the Grey Lynn suburb.
2 outlets · Luca Fairgray trial hears testimony regarding age of complainant
Luca Fairgray is on trial at the Auckland District Court facing charges of sexual connection with a young person under 16. Fairgray has told the court he believed the girl was 16 because of her physical development and her claims of having dropped out of school.
2 outlets · Former Givealittle director sentenced for two drink-driving offences
Kim McWilliams was sentenced in Auckland District Court after being caught drink-driving twice in four hours in Hamilton on 6 September 2024. The former Givealittle director pleaded guilty to charges including driving with excess blood alcohol and driving while suspended.
3 outlets · Strong earthquake hits lower North Island near Eketahuna
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10 kilometres east of Eketāhuna on Tuesday night. Over 20,000 people reported feeling the tremor, which was felt most strongly in the Manawatū, Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay regions. A scientist suggests the quake was likely an aftershock from a 2014 event.
2 outlets · Two teenagers arrested after armed robbery at Panmure Cash Converters
Two 16-year-olds have been arrested following an armed robbery at a Cash Converters store on Queens Road in Panmure. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the pair allegedly used weapons to smash cabinets and steal jewellery and cash. Police are investigating the robbery.
2 outlets · Five Auckland waste trucks catch fire in early January
Five rubbish and recycling trucks have caught fire in Auckland during the first two weeks of 2025. Auckland Council suggests the fires are likely caused by incorrectly disposed of batteries and battery-powered devices. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if they are crushed during the collection process.
3 outlets · Protected red coral forests filmed for first time off Fiordland coast
Researchers from Victoria University of Wellington have captured footage of large marine communities off the Fiordland coast. The footage, filmed at depths of 80 to 130 metres, shows tens of thousands of protected red corals that had not previously been seen in such large numbers.
2 outlets · Man arrested following incident outside Christchurch kindergarten
A 32-year-old man is due in court after being arrested for alleged disorderly behaviour in Phillipstown on Tuesday morning. Police say the man approached several parents and children outside Kidsfirst Kindergarten on St Asaph Street. The incident reportedly involved a child and a parent being grabbed.
2 outlets · Government to release Growth Budget on 22 May
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced that the 2025 Budget will be released on 22 May. Termed the 'Growth Budget', the document aims to drive economic growth through measures that go beyond traditional spending and savings initiatives.
2 outlets · Police investigate death of motorcyclist in Whangārei creek
A motorcyclist was found dead in a Whangārei creek just before 5.30am on Wednesday. His motorcycle was located on the side of the road, and police say the circumstances of the death are currently unexplained. SH15 remains closed between Otaika and Maungatapere while investigations continue.
2 outlets · Man pleads not guilty to murder of father in Massey driveway
Aaren James Wilson has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father, Robert John Wilson, in Massey. The 63-year-old was struck by a vehicle in a driveway on 10 December. Wilson appeared in Auckland High Court and was granted bail with driving restrictions.
2 outlets · Popeyes Lower Hutt employs traffic management due to long queues
The new Popeyes chicken shop in Lower Hutt has hired traffic management to stop customer queues from spilling onto the road. While the restaurant is popular, the Hutt City Council has received two public complaints and an official has raised safety concerns.
3 outlets · James Blunt to perform in Auckland this October
British singer-songwriter James Blunt will perform at Auckland's Spark Arena on 21 October. This performance marks his first New Zealand show in seven years and celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Back to Bedlam.
2 outlets · Womad Aotearoa stage renamed to focus on DJ performances
The Dell Stage at the Womad Aotearoa festival has been renamed the Tui Stage for the 2025 event. Located in Brooklands Park, New Plymouth, the stage will feature a handpicked lineup of DJs. The festival is scheduled to take place from 14 to 16 March.
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