Destiny Church protests disrupt Auckland Pride events
Destiny Church protesters disrupted two Auckland Pride events on Saturday, including a children's science show at Te Atatū library. Approximately 30 people were forced to barricade themselves indoors during the incident, which police described as involving aggressive behaviour. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the intimidation unacceptable, while Auckland Council labelled the actions outrageous.
4 outlets · Residents return home after Port Waikato scrub fire evacuations
Fourteen homes were evacuated as a precaution on Monday afternoon after a scrub fire broke out on Maunsell Road in Port Waikato. Fire and Emergency NZ crews and helicopters responded to the blaze, which burned through layers of vegetation. Residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.
+15 outlets · Deportation of New Zealand-born teenager to India put on hold
Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk is reconsidering the case of 18-year-old Daman Kumar, who faces deportation to India despite having never visited the country. Kumar, who was born and raised in New Zealand, has been given a temporary reprieve while his case is reviewed.
4 outlets · Palmerston North man sentenced for beating two puppies
A Palmerston North man has been sentenced to 14 months of home detention after pleading guilty to the willful ill-treatment of two four-month-old puppies. In July 2024, the man beat the animals with a fence paling, resulting in one puppy requiring euthanasia.
4 outlets · Christchurch Airport unveils New Zealand's first electric fire truck
Christchurch Airport has introduced the Rosenbauer RT, the country's first fully electric fire truck. The vehicle is also the first of its kind at a Southern Hemisphere airport and will replace an existing diesel model. Plans are in place to expand the electric response fleet by 2026.
4 outlets · Six Wellington council housing complexes declared earthquake prone
Six Wellington City Council social housing complexes containing over 300 units have been deemed earthquake prone after seismic assessments. The affected buildings fall below 34% of the New Building Standard. Council officials stated the homes remain habitable, though tenants may be rehomed to allow for strengthening work.
+15 outlets · Defence Force takes Selwyn District Council to Environment Court
The New Zealand Defence Force and the Minister of Defence are challenging the Selwyn District Council in the Environment Court. The military is seeking a "no-complaints covenant" for new developments near the West Melton Rifle Range to prevent residents from making noise complaints.
4 outlets · Winston Peters criticises Whangārei water fluoridation mandate
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has described the mandate to fluoridate Whangārei's drinking water as a disgrace. Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati has ordered the Whangārei District Council to implement the measure for 80,000 people by 28 March. In response, Peters has introduced a Member's Bill to return decision-making power to local communities.
4 outlets · Google AI breaches New Zealand court name suppression orders
Google's AI overviews and a website search function have revealed the names of individuals protected by New Zealand court suppression orders. One instance involved naming former Act Party president Tim Jago before his suppression had lapsed. Google has not yet responded to queries regarding how these breaches occurred.
+37 outlets · Tech agencies take legal action against Human Rights Commission
New Zealand's internet safety agencies have initiated legal action against the Human Rights Commission. This follows claims that social media companies failed to protect former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern from targeted online abuse, including misogyny and threats of violence.
4 outlets · Passengers removed from Air New Zealand flight due to weight issues
Eight passengers were removed from an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Dunedin on Saturday because the aircraft was too heavy. The airline requested 13 volunteers to disembark to address weight concerns involving fuel and baggage. One passenger criticised the airline's competence regarding the incident.
4 outlets · Government announces $30m for conservation and tourism projects
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka have announced a $30 million investment funded by the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. The funding will support over a dozen projects, including $11 million for visitor site infrastructure and $19 million for biodiversity efforts.
3 outlets · Auckland man sentenced for fraudulent Covid-19 subsidy claims
Vaibhav Kaushik has been sentenced in the Auckland District Court for fraudulently obtaining $23,600 in Covid-19 small business subsidies. He used the names of two people who had left New Zealand to make the claims, which were then used for gambling and personal expenses. He received a sentence of six months' detention.
3 outlets · Two seriously injured in truck and caravan crash near Otorohanga
A collision between a truck and a caravan occurred near Puketotara on State Highway 39 at approximately 11.20am. Two people sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Police say both lanes of the highway are closed, and motorists should avoid the area due to expected delays.
3 outlets · Surgeon found in breach after removing wrong part of lung
A cardiothoracic surgeon mistakenly removed the left upper lobe of a patient's lung instead of the cancerous lower lobe during a 2020 operation. The Health and Disability Commissioner found the surgeon breached the patient's rights by failing to provide reasonable care and skill. The error has left the patient's cancer inoperable.
+15 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies following Hastings assault
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man died from injuries sustained during a fight on Kiwi Lane in Hastings. Officers were called to a group disorder around 10.30pm on Sunday. The man was taken to Hastings Hospital in critical condition before later passing away.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in Hamilton East crash
A person has sustained serious injuries following a collision between a car and a cyclist on Anzac Parade. The incident occurred near Memorial Drive around 8:15am, resulting in road closures in Hamilton East. The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
3 outlets · Southland recyclers could lose bins under new three-strikes system
The Waste Advisory Group has approved a new system to address recycling contamination in Southland. Residents who receive three red tags within a single calendar year may lose their recycling bins.
4 outlets · Labour blames failing health targets for recent high-level resignations
Labour claims that the government's failure to meet health targets is causing a wave of resignations among top officials. Recent departures include Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati, following the resignations of Health NZ chief executive Margie Apa and Director of Public Health Nicholas Jones.
2 outlets · Opposition and critics criticise new tourism advertising campaign
The government has launched a $500,000 'Everyone Must Go' advertising campaign targeting Australians. Labour, the Greens, and various critics have criticised the slogan and suggested funds should be directed toward tourism infrastructure instead.
+15 outlets · Hāwera GP earns less than minimum wage under funding model
Hāwera GP Keith Blayney says he earns less than his receptionist after rejecting the government's capitation funding system. Blayney and his wife are using their pensions to keep the clinic open. He has criticised the current funding model as flawed.
+26 outlets · Legal gaps remain regarding the threat of 3D-printed ghost guns
New Zealand faces potential risks from 3D-printed firearms and hybrid designs. Professor Alexander Gillespie suggests three steps the country could take to address existing legal gaps and improve community safety.
2 outlets · Christchurch Hospital emergency department asks patients to seek alternative care
Christchurch Hospital's emergency department is requesting that people only attend for life-threatening issues due to a high volume of patients. Reports indicate that two-thirds of patients are not being seen within recommended timeframes.
2 outlets · Luxon unsure of reoffending rates for boot camp pilot participants
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declined to confirm how many boot camp pilot participants have returned to custody. He stated he does not know the specific reoffending rates and will not discuss individual cases to respect privacy.
2 outlets · Jury hears defence arguments in major methamphetamine case
Sunia To’ofohe faces charges after more than 11kg of methamphetamine and over $600,000 in cash were discovered. Prosecutors describe the evidence as overwhelming, while the defence argues that police failed to follow their own procedures. The jury has been asked to decide if the case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
2 outlets · Du Val founder detained following incident in Remuera
Kenyon Clarke, the founder of insolvent property group Du Val, was detained by police outside his Remuera home on Monday afternoon. Clarke reportedly stated a photographer was attempting to take pictures of him and his family. He was taken into custody but has since been released without charge.
2 outlets · People filmed harassing sea lion pup at Blackhead Beach
The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust has reported an increase in harassment of sea lions by people seeking social media content. Footage shows a group throwing and kicking sand at a pup at Blackhead Beach late last month. The trust advises staying at least 20 metres away from the animals.
2 outlets · Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust begins High Court proceedings
The Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust has started legal action in the High Court regarding freshwater rights in Wairoa. The trust is seeking a legal declaration to recognise iwi and hapū rights and responsibilities over local lakes and significant river beds.
2 outlets · Woman charged with reckless driving causing death in Gordonton crash
Sharanjit Kaur, 40, has appeared in Hamilton District Court following a fatal head-on collision in Gordonton. She faces a charge of reckless driving causing the death of 49-year-old Jonathan Baker. The incident occurred several months ago near Hamilton.
2 outlets · Monaro Kerr-Wilson sentenced after Facebook Marketplace vehicle scam
Monaro Kerr-Wilson, 20, has begun a new jail term following his appearance in Hamilton District Court. The man, who was previously jailed for similar offences, was involved in a scam involving a vehicle and trailer worth $30,000. He was unsuccessful in his application for home detention.
3 outlets · Directors appointed to company negotiating new Cook Strait ferry contracts
Rail Minister Winston Peters has appointed Chris Mackenzie, Heather Simpson, and Greg Lowe to the board of Ferry Holdings Limited. The company is tasked with negotiating procurement contracts for two new Interislander ferries. Mackenzie will serve as chairperson, while Simpson will act as deputy chairwoman.
2 outlets · Final approach road to Piarere roundabout to open next week
The final permanent approach road towards Hamilton is scheduled to open at the Piarere roundabout on Tuesday, 25 February. NZTA announced that this new road will provide a more complete experience for motorists using the intersection.
2 outlets · Young vapers surveyed on tighter nicotine regulations
University of Otago researchers conducted an in-depth survey of 20 young people who vape in New Zealand. The study investigated whether young people support stricter vaping regulations intended to phase out nicotine following changes to government anti-smoking policies.
2 outlets · Fire destroys apartment in Wellington council-owned building
A fire destroyed a third-floor apartment in a Pukehīnau building on Sunday afternoon. While the building lacked sprinklers, the manager noted that working smoke alarms helped prevent the blaze from spreading further. Fire and Emergency investigations into the cause of the fire are currently ongoing.
3 outlets · Warm and muggy weather expected before temperatures drop
Warm and humid conditions are expected across much of the country early this week. While the North Island remains muggy, the South Island is forecast to experience cooler temperatures later in the week as southwesterly winds arrive.
2 outlets · Surgeon breached codes after botched surgery left man with one lung
A Health and Disability Commissioner report found a doctor breached three codes during a 2020 surgery. The patient, a man in his 60s, underwent a procedure for a lung tumour but had the wrong lobe removed. The doctor has apologised to the patient and his family.
2 outlets · Minister refuses to meet with New Zealand's largest workers' union
Workplace relations minister Brooke van Velden has declined to meet with the Council for Trade Unions. CTU president Richard Wagstaff expressed astonishment at the decision, noting that the minister is willing to meet with much smaller fringe unions instead.
2 outlets · High Court hears challenge over Cuba Street rainbow crossing legality
A High Court hearing has commenced to determine if the rainbow crossing on Wellington's Cuba Street complies with traffic control laws. Applicants are seeking a judicial review regarding the crossing's legality, though they state they want the crossing modified rather than removed.
3 outlets · No significant issues at Mongrel Mob reunion in Taumarunui
Police report that no arrests or unlawful behaviours occurred during the King Country Mongrel Mob reunion in Taumarunui. Officers increased their presence to monitor the gathering, which has now concluded without significant issues.
2 outlets · Hamilton farmer wins Waikato Bay of Plenty regional final
Hugh Jackson has secured the Waikato Bay of Plenty regional title in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. The 27-year-old Hamilton farmer will now progress to the grand final. Jackson noted the regional competition was strong and expressed his determination to succeed in this potential final attempt.
2 outlets · Submissions continue for Treaty Principles Bill in Wellington
The Justice Select Committee is hearing further submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill at Parliament buildings in Wellington. During the proceedings, a 15-year-old submitter argued that the bill could damage the positive relationship between the Government and younger generations.
2 outlets · Heavy rain warnings issued for parts of North and South Islands
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne, north of Tolaga Bay. A low is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of the North Island on Monday, while a front moving east may bring rain to parts of the South Island.
2 outlets · Locals lucky to avoid property damage in Hurunui scrub fire
A scrub fire burned through approximately 40 hectares of vegetation near Island Hills in Hurunui over the weekend. Firefighters contained the blaze on Sunday morning. A local helicopter pilot noted that residents were very lucky to escape any damage to their properties.
2 outlets · One person seriously injured in Rotoiti Forest vehicle crash
Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a truck on State Highway 30 in the Rotorua District on Sunday morning. One person is in serious condition following the incident in Rotoiti Forest. The road has been closed, and motorists are being advised to use an alternate route.
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