Christopher Luxon marks Waitangi Day at Ōnuku marae
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a Waitangi Day speech at Ōnuku marae in Akaroa instead of attending the Treaty Grounds. He honoured Ngāi Tahu's resilience and economic contribution while defending his decision not to let the Waitangi site dominate the national day of celebration.
+26 outlets · Man arrested after vehicle hits police officer in Huntly
A man has been arrested after driving a vehicle into a police officer and their patrol car in Huntly. The officer was conducting unrelated enquiries at an address when the incident occurred around 8pm on Wednesday. The officer was treated for moderate injuries at Waikato Hospital and has been discharged.
+15 outlets · Waitangi Day commemorations held across New Zealand
Waitangi Day celebrations took place nationwide, including a dawn ceremony at the Treaty grounds and events in Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua, and Waikato. At Waitangi, a record turnout of over 1,000 waka paddlers participated in the commemorations.
4 outlets · Fire destroys historic Roxburgh Town Hall in Central Otago
A massive blaze has gutted the historic Roxburgh Town Hall, causing part of the roof to collapse. The building is home to what is thought to be the world's longest-running cinema. Firefighters have worked to contain the fire, which was reported around 11.45am.
+15 outlets · Armed police respond to firearm threat in Mākara
Armed police and the Armed Offenders Squad were deployed to a residential address on Makara Road on Thursday afternoon. The response followed reports of a person being threatened with a firearm. Three people have since been taken into police custody.
4 outlets · North Canterbury residents oppose proposed solar farm near homes
Energy Bay Ltd has applied to the Waimakariri District Council to build an 80ha solar farm on Upper Sefton Road, north of Rangiora. Local residents, led by spokesperson David Fordyce, are opposing the project and plan to make submissions before 28 February.
+26 outlets · Search continues for man missing in Cook Strait on jet ski
Coastguard volunteers and police are searching for a man who went missing while attempting to cross the Cook Strait on a jet ski. The man left Queen Charlotte Sound for Plimmerton on Monday morning and has not been located. A jet ski was found on Monday evening.
4 outlets · Driver misjudgment caused crash involving Prime Minister's vehicle
A collision between a police escort and a Crown limousine carrying Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis occurred in Wellington last year. Released documents indicate the crash happened when another vehicle approached a roundabout at speed, causing the Prime Minister's car to brake hard.
3 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man stabbed in Wainuiomata car park
A man sustained a chest stab wound and injuries from a baseball bat during a road rage incident in a Wainuiomata car park around 10pm on Wednesday. Police are seeking information regarding an altercation between occupants of two vehicles and have arrested one person.
3 outlets · Cyclist in critical condition after hitting stationary vehicle in Glenfield
A cyclist sustained critical injuries after striking a stationary vehicle on Chivalry Road in Glenfield on Thursday morning. Police were called to the scene around 9.30am. The road has been closed with diversions in place, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
3 outlets · Search continues for man missing on jetski in Cook Strait
Police and coastguard volunteers from Marlborough and Mana are searching for a man who disappeared while attempting to cross the Cook Strait on a jetski. The individual was travelling from the Tasman District towards Plimmerton on Monday evening but failed to arrive. Searchers are facing tricky conditions during the operation.
4 outlets · Protesters interrupt Prime Minister Luxon during Waitangi Day commemorations
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was interrupted by protesters during a speech at Ōnuku Marae to mark the 185th anniversary of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. One individual was taken away by police during the event held at Akaroa Harbour.
4 outlets · Taranaki gardeners grow potatoes for Te Matatini festival
Taranaki gardeners have grown 1.65 tonnes of Agria potatoes to support the Te Matatini kapa haka championships in Ngāmotu. Inspired by ancestors who fed refugees at Parihaka, the produce will help feed performers and supporters at more than 20 marae during the event.
2 outlets · Taranaki teacher avoids jail for sending explicit videos to minors
A teacher who sent sexually explicit videos to people he believed were teenage boys has been given a good behaviour bond. The man turned himself in after being caught by a former student. The court granted him permanent name suppression to prevent extreme hardship to his children.
2 outlets · Poet and conservationist Brian Turner dies aged 80
New Zealand poet and conservationist Brian Turner died peacefully on Wednesday morning. The former Poet Laureate was inspired by nature throughout his life, according to his brother, former cricketer Glenn Turner. Turner was also an OMNZ recipient for his contributions to literature and the environment.
2 outlets · New Zealand and Cook Islands disagree on several diplomatic issues
A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has confirmed that New Zealand and the Cook Islands government disagree on various matters. Meanwhile, a protest march is planned for 17 February in Rarotonga as locals express concerns regarding the Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand and potential deals with China.
2 outlets · Ticketing glitch causes delays at Auckland Laneway Festival
Thousands of concert-goers at Western Springs faced long queues due to a malfunction with the Ticketek app. Attendees reported widespread faults when attempting to access their tickets, leading to frustration as people remained stuck outside the festival gates.
2 outlets · Pedestrian dies in serious crash on Northland road
A pedestrian has died at the scene following a crash involving a car on Kaiikanui Road in Helena Bay. Police were alerted to the incident on Thursday morning. The road was closed while emergency services responded to the scene.
2 outlets · Wellington Phoenix face Brisbane Roar at Sky Stadium
The Wellington Phoenix are playing Brisbane Roar at Sky Stadium in Wellington. The match is part of the A-League round 18 action, providing the Phoenix an opportunity to move up the league ladder.
2 outlets · Waitangi Day commemorations highlight ongoing Māori-Government relationship challenges
Waitangi Day 2025 celebrations in Paihia and Wellington highlighted ongoing tensions between Māori and central Government. While attendance in Paihia was lower than previous years, Wellington saw an estimated 1,000 people march to protest what the Mayor described as a failure to uphold te Tiriti.
2 outlets · Highlanders defeat Crusaders in preseason match at Rugby Park
The Highlanders secured a 29-24 preseason victory over the Crusaders in Invercargill. The match saw George Bell and Dallas McLeod forced off early due to injuries. The Highlanders staged a second-half comeback to secure their third consecutive win against the Crusaders.
2 outlets · Waitangi Day commemorations held in Christchurch and Bay of Islands
Hundreds of people marched from Victoria Square in Christchurch to advocate for the Treaty of Waitangi. Meanwhile, thousands gathered in the Bay of Islands for celebrations, which included a dawn ceremony at Te Whare Rūnanga Marae.
2 outlets · Writer and conservationist Brian Turner dies aged 80
Former New Zealand Poet Laureate Brian Turner has died at the age of 80. The Oturehua-based writer and conservationist was an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work in literature and the environment.
+15 outlets · Man seriously injured after assault in Wainuiomata car park
Police are investigating a serious assault that occurred in a Wainuiomata car park on The Strand around 10pm on Wednesday. A man was discovered with serious injuries inside his vehicle following reports of a fight. Those involved reportedly left the scene in two vehicles before officers arrived.
2 outlets · Queenstown artist designs Google Doodle for Waitangi Day
Māori artist Jordan Tuhura has designed a one-off Google Doodle to commemorate Waitangi Day. The artwork features a traditional Māori greeting to symbolise partnership and leadership. The logo will appear on the Google homepage in New Zealand for one day.
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