Wednesday 5 February 2025
44 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Politicians face potential heated discussions at Waitangi Day celebrations
Māori leaders have warned politicians to expect intense discussions during a pōwhiri at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. While organisers hope protests will not disrupt official events, the celebrations include the welcome of the new Māori monarch, Kuini Ngā wai hono i te po.
+15 outlets · Woman critically injured following assault in Christchurch park
A woman was found critically injured following an assault at Richmond Village Green in Christchurch on Wednesday morning. Emergency services responded to the scene near the corner of Stanmore Road and London Street shortly after 9am. Police have cordoned off the area and are conducting a scene examination as part of their investigation.
+26 outlets · One person dead after three-vehicle crash in Waikato
One person has died and two others were moderately injured in a three-vehicle crash near Ngāhinapōuri early Wednesday morning. State Highway 39 remains closed as the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and follow diversions.
+15 outlets · Man dies after being hit by truck in Parnell
A man has died after being struck by a truck on The Strand in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after 2pm, and the pedestrian was transported to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition before passing away.
4 outlets · Kiwi woman allegedly murdered by partner in Melbourne murder-suicide
Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at her home in Melbourne last Friday. Police suspect her partner murdered her before taking his own life. Her family is remembering her as a vibrant mother and has started a fundraiser for funeral costs.
4 outlets · Police investigate non-random Birkenhead stabbing
A man is in serious but stable condition after suffering multiple stab wounds on Birkenhead Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. Police believe the attack was not a random incident and are continuing investigations. No suspects are currently in custody, though a car was seen fleeing the scene shortly after the event.
4 outlets · Gloriavale member jailed for sexual offending against eight girls
Fervent Ben-Canaan has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison at the Christchurch District Court. He pleaded guilty to eight charges of indecent assault and indecent acts involving girls aged 11 and over. The offending took place between 2004 and 2024.
4 outlets · Christchurch parents wrongly fined for parking due to camera glitch
Dozens of parents at a Christchurch childcare centre have been incorrectly issued all-day parking fines. The errors occurred at The Landing car park in Wigram due to inaccuracies in a parking company's camera system during child drop-offs and pick-ups.
+15 outlets · Treaty tensions rise at Waitangi as Luxon travels to Akaroa
Protests have occurred at Waitangi as political leaders address the nation. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon travels to Akaroa, Labour leader Chris Hipkins has been noted for offering a positive vision during the commemorations.
3 outlets · Venomous sea snake spotted on Auckland beach
A blue-lipped sea krait was discovered by a member of the public walking a dog in Devonport. The Department of Conservation investigated the sighting, which is the first time this species has been seen alive in New Zealand in seven years. Rangers were unable to locate the snake during their search.
3 outlets · Labour opposes Te Pāti Māori proposal for Te Tiriti commissioner
Chris Hipkins says the Labour Party will not support Te Pāti Māori's proposal to create a Te Tiriti commissioner with parliamentary veto powers. While Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson believes the idea warrants exploration, legal experts have raised constitutional concerns regarding the policy.
3 outlets · Man arrested after armed police operation in Waterview
A man has been arrested following a police stand-off in Waterview, Auckland, on Wednesday afternoon. Armed police cordoned off an area around Tutuki Street after the man arrived at a house where an acquaintance lived. The operation involved the armed offenders squad and included reports of two loud bangs.
3 outlets · Seven service medals stolen during Waihi burglary
Police are seeking information after seven historical service medals were stolen from a property on Trig Road North in Waihi. The theft occurred between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon. Other items taken during the burglary included jewellery, wedding rings, and various power tools.
4 outlets · Government approves multimillion-dollar Brougham Street upgrade in Christchurch
Ministers have approved a multimillion-dollar upgrade for State Highway 76 in Christchurch. The project, which was previously paused, will be prioritised as a Road of Regional Significance. The improvements aim to reduce congestion, improve safety, and support economic growth.
3 outlets · Car fire blocks eastbound lanes on Auckland's SH16 motorway
A vehicle fire blocked the two right eastbound lanes of the Northwestern Motorway on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred on State Highway 16 between Rosebank Road and Great North Road. Waka Kotahi NZTA advised motorists to expect traffic delays while the vehicle was being addressed.
3 outlets · Two teenagers rescued from currents at Waitangi Wharf
Two teenage girls were rescued by the Police Maritime Unit after being swept away by strong currents at Waitangi Wharf on Tuesday. The pair were part of a group jumping into the water when they got out of their depth.
3 outlets · Names released of two people killed in Taupō car crash
Police have identified Purity Anne Te Pairi and Tamatoa Kimi as the two 19-year-olds who died in a single-vehicle crash. The accident occurred on Mapara Road in Acacia Bay, near Taupō, at approximately 11.45pm on 17 January.
3 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash in Upper Hutt
A person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Twin Lakes Road in Upper Hutt on Wednesday morning. Emergency services were called to the incident at approximately 7am. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
3 outlets · Large fire breaks out at Onehunga waste transfer station
Fire and Emergency responded to a large compound fire at the Pikes Point Transfer Station in Onehunga early Wednesday morning. Ten fire trucks and support vehicles from 11 brigades attended the blaze, which was reported just after 4.20am. No injuries have been reported and the fire has since been contained.
3 outlets · Prime Minister to miss Waitangi Day commemorations
Christopher Luxon has announced he will not travel to Waitangi this year to commemorate the signing of the Treaty. While the Prime Minister will miss the event, Ngāi Tahu will host the Prime Minister for Waitangi Day commemorations at Ōnuku marae in Akaroa.
4 outlets · Nicola Willis signals potential corporate tax changes for upcoming Budget
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has indicated that tax reform is being considered for the May Budget to support economic growth. While the Government explores business-friendly tax tweaks, some economists suggest that corporate tax cuts may require significant changes elsewhere to be affordable.
3 outlets · Ashburton District Council opposes Rakaia speed limit increase
The Ashburton District Council has written to the NZ Transport Agency to strongly oppose increasing the speed limit on State Highway 1 through Rakaia. The limit is currently scheduled to return to 70kph by 1 July, following a reduction to 50kph last year.
3 outlets · Waikato and Gisborne prepare for Waitangi Day celebrations
Waikato is hosting various events including markets and concerts to celebrate Waitangi Day. In Gisborne, Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa will focus its commemorations on the thoughts and perspectives of rangatahi.
2 outlets · Disqualified driver appears in court after pizza run in mother's car
Alistair Bakker, 31, appeared in Nelson District Court after being caught driving while disqualified. He was travelling in his mother's vehicle to collect pizza when he was clocked doing 105km/h in an 80km/h zone. Bakker has previously been disqualified from driving five times.
2 outlets · Dutch paddler says kaupapa waka involvement changed his life
Koos Wabeke, a 37-year-old Dutch paddler, says participating in kaupapa waka and learning about the Māori world has transformed his life. He has travelled to New Zealand nine times, including seven trips for Waitangi Day commemorations. His involvement began after a waka was carved for a Dutch museum.
2 outlets · New Zealander sues Neil Gaiman and wife for alleged sexual assault
Scarlett Pavlovich has filed a lawsuit against author Neil Gaiman and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer, seeking millions of dollars. Pavlovich alleges she was repeatedly raped by Gaiman in 2022 while working for the couple. Gaiman has denied the allegations of nonconsensual sexual activity.
2 outlets · Unemployment reaches four-year high as job seeker applies for 400 roles
New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in the three months ending December, the highest level since 2020. In Wellington, one job seeker reported applying for approximately 400 positions over the last 13 months without success.
3 outlets · New Trans-Tasman Throwdown basketball series launched for May
The inaugural Trans-Tasman Throwdown series will feature three double-header games in May. The competition will see the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns face off against Australia's Boomers and Opals, with a game scheduled to take place in Hamilton.
2 outlets · Tauranga man charged after dangerous overtaking on Kaimai Range
A 40-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving following an incident on State Highway 29 on 7 January. Dashcam footage allegedly shows a truck and trailer overtaking two vehicles on the wrong side of the road while crossing double yellow lines. The incident occurred on the Kaimai Range between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
2 outlets · Wellington convention centre named runner-up in international architecture awards
Wellington's Tākina convention centre has placed second in the World-Architects Building of the Year awards. Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, it was the only New Zealand building shortlisted among 40 international entries. The centre secured second place after receiving 21% of more than 3,500 public votes.
2 outlets · Brothers named following Beach Haven road rage murder conviction
Delius Eruera and Prodeus Eruera-Ngamu have been named as the brothers responsible for the fatal stabbing of Joshuah Tasi. The incident occurred during a road rage attack on Auckland's North Shore. The pair were 14 and 17 years old at the time of the murder.
2 outlets · One person critically injured in Napier expressway crash
A person sustained critical injuries following a collision between a car and a motorbike on Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred around 3.50pm in the southbound lane of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway near Greenmeadows. Emergency services attended the scene, and motorists were advised to expect delays.
2 outlets · Minister Shane Jones threatens to cut Waitangi National Trust funding
Minister Shane Jones has threatened to withhold future government funding for the Waitangi National Trust. He described a recent pōwhiri for parliamentarians as a circus that was no longer fit for purpose following multiple interruptions.
2 outlets · January 2025 was New Zealand's coldest January since 2017
NIWA reports that January 2025 was the coldest January recorded in New Zealand since 2017. The nationwide average temperature was 16.4C, which is below the usual average. Cooler-than-average temperatures were noted across much of the country, including the South Island and parts of the North Island.
2 outlets · Napier property developer Malcolm Herbert has died aged 61
Napier developer Malcolm Herbert has died, reportedly of natural causes. His companies, which operated for over 50 years, were facing financial difficulties and several were in liquidation. Herbert was due to appear in court later this month regarding a dispute over unpaid legal fees.
2 outlets · Search to resume for man missing on jetski in Marlborough Sounds
A search for a man who disappeared while attempting to cross Cook Strait on a jetski is expected to resume today. An experienced mariner noted that conditions in the Marlborough Sounds were challenging for a solo jetskier on Monday. Search and rescue teams are working with local assistance.
2 outlets · Lab workers strike for pay parity with public hospital staff
APEX Union laboratory workers are participating in a 48-hour strike across several regions, including Wellington, Dunedin, and Hamilton. The industrial action, aimed at achieving pay parity with public hospital counterparts, has caused delays for major surgical cases in some areas.
3 outlets · Man charged with murder after child found dead in car
A 37-year-old Conifer Grove man has been charged with murder following the death of a child found in his car in South Auckland last month. Court documents suggest the child was allegedly smothered. The man appeared in the Auckland High Court on Wednesday.
3 outlets · Woman charged after fatal crash involving 11-year-old cyclist in Flaxmere
A 34-year-old woman has been charged with careless driving and excess breath alcohol following a crash on Chatham Road in Flaxmere. The incident resulted in the death of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Sylvia Kupa. The woman is due to appear in Hastings District Court on 18 February.
2 outlets · Unemployment rate rises to 5.1 per cent
The unemployment rate reached 5.1 per cent in the December 2024 quarter, the highest level since 2020. This is an increase from the 4.8 per cent recorded in the previous quarter. Stats NZ reports that unemployment has been rising since late 2022.
2 outlets · Man charged with murder after bringing child's body to police station
A 37-year-old man faces murder charges after arriving at Manukau Police Station with a deceased child in his car. He is accused of smothering the child with a pillow in East Tāmaki. The defendant has been remanded in custody, with a trial scheduled for May next year.
2 outlets · Teenager arrested in Foxton after being seen with firearms
An 18-year-old man faces multiple charges, including burglary and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, following an arrest in Foxton. Police recovered stolen weapons and ammunition after members of the public reported seeing the man carrying armfuls of firearms between houses.
2 outlets · Dunedin ranked as New Zealand's happiest city in quality of life survey
The 2024 Ipsos Quality of Life survey found Dunedin residents reported the highest levels of happiness among eight New Zealand cities. Wellington and Christchurch followed closely, with 81% and 80% of residents respectively reporting a good or better quality of life.
2 outlets · Wellington Water requests additional funding to improve operations
Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dougherty has requested $37.5 million from the Wellington City Council over the next three years. The funding is intended to replace leaking pipes and increase in-house staff to reduce reliance on external consultants. Dougherty apologised for the entity losing sight of providing value for money to customers.
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