Stats NZ chief to leave after Manurewa Marae data inquiry
Stats NZ chief executive Mark Sowden will not seek reappointment following an inquiry into the misuse of Census and Covid vaccination data. The investigation found government agencies failed to protect personal information collected at Manurewa Marae. Three service providers have been temporarily suspended from new government contracts as a result.
+15 outlets · New Zealand calls for transparency over Cook Islands-China deal
The Cook Islands has released an action plan for a five-year strategic partnership with China. New Zealand is calling for more transparency and the release of all new agreements, following protests in Rarotonga regarding the deal.
+15 outlets · Fergburger apologises and fires staff member after racial slur on receipt
Queenstown's Fergburger has dismissed an employee after a customer was given a receipt containing the racial slur "ching chang". The restaurant expressed deep regret for the incident, which occurred on Sunday, and has committed to implementing cultural sensitivity training for all staff.
+15 outlets · Police seek information after possible sighting of Tom Phillips and children
Police are investigating a report that Tom Phillips and his three children were seen in a layby on State Highway 4 on Sunday. The group, described as four people dressed in camouflage, was reportedly seen near the Tikitiki Road intersection. This is the first possible sighting of the family since October last year.
+26 outlets · Customs seize 101kg of cocaine at Auckland International Airport
Customs officers intercepted approximately 101kg of cocaine arriving on a Hawaiian Airlines flight at Auckland International Airport over the weekend. The seizure, consisting of 85 wrapped bricks, is believed to be the largest ever made at a New Zealand airport. The drug has an estimated street value of up to $35.4 million.
+15 outlets · Pams chicken nuggets recalled over possible blue rubber contamination
Foodstuffs Own Brands has recalled 1kg bags of Pams Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets due to fears they may contain small pieces of blue rubber. The affected products have a best-before date of 16 October 2025 and were sold at various stores nationwide. Customers should return the items for a refund.
+15 outlets · Luxon open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine if ceasefire is reached
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says New Zealand is open to deploying Defence Force troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping if a peace agreement is established. Both National and Labour leaders have expressed bipartisan support for the potential mission. This follows emergency discussions among European leaders regarding defence spending and regional stability.
+15 outlets · Wayne Brown to seek second term as Auckland mayor
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has announced his candidacy for re-election in the upcoming local government elections. Speaking at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the 78-year-old stated he wants to continue his work and finish current tasks. Kerrin Leoni and Ted Johnston have also announced they will run for the mayoralty.
4 outlets · Police search for Travis Langford after vehicle found burnt out
Police are searching for Travis Langford, who has been missing since 17 January. His vehicle was found burnt out on a farm in Ngaroma, Waikato. Authorities are urging the public to check properties and report any sightings in the Waipapa or Mangakino areas.
+15 outlets · Road workers stop alleged drunk driver with baby on SH29
A roading crew spotted a woman driving the wrong way through roadworks on State Highway 29 near Tauranga on Monday. Police say the woman, who had a baby in the vehicle, was allegedly three times over the legal alcohol limit. The crew kept the driver stationary until police arrived.
+15 outlets · Hastings man charged with murder after fatal assault
A 28-year-old Hastings man has been charged with murder following a group fight on Kiwi Lane on Sunday night. A 33-year-old man died at Hawke’s Bay Hospital after being brought in with critical injuries. The accused is due to appear in the Hastings District Court on Tuesday.
4 outlets · Dozens left without luggage on Jetstar flight to Dunedin
Passengers on a Sunday morning Jetstar flight from Auckland to Dunedin were not informed their bags had been offloaded until they reached their destination. One passenger reported that dozens of people were left without essential items, including medication, and was forced to rebook onward travel.
4 outlets · Dame Lydia Ko wins Supreme Halberg Award in Auckland
Golfer Dame Lydia Ko was named the supreme winner at the 62nd annual Halberg Awards in Auckland on Tuesday night. The award recognises her achievements in 2024, which included winning an Olympic gold medal and the Women’s British Open.
3 outlets · Police watchdog calls for new legislation regarding public protests
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has recommended new standalone legislation to manage public protests. The proposed changes would require organisers to notify authorities of certain assemblies and could allow senior police to set conditions in advance to ensure public safety.
+15 outlets · Christchurch Hospital ED plea caused by high demand, not staffing shortages
Health New Zealand says unusual demand led Christchurch Hospital to ask non-urgent patients to seek care elsewhere on Monday. The emergency department was extremely busy due to large numbers of people and increased surgical cases. Officials clarified that the situation was not caused by a shortage of staff.
+48 outlets · Brad Pitt arrives in Auckland before filming in South Island
Actor Brad Pitt has reportedly arrived in Auckland ahead of filming for the action thriller Heart of the Beast. The production is expected to take place in Queenstown and Milford Sound. The film is described as a survival thriller involving a former Navy SEAL and a combat dog.
3 outlets · Great Walks booking system upgraded ahead of May opening
The Department of Conservation has upgraded its booking system to better manage high demand for the 2025/26 Great Walks season. Bookings for huts and campsites will open in staggered stages between 13 and 28 May. An online queue system has been introduced to help ease pressure on the website.
3 outlets · Person dies following motorcycle incident in Weymouth park
A person has died following an incident involving a motorcycle at Mountfort Park in South Auckland. Police were notified of the event in Weymouth at 7.40pm on Tuesday. Cordons have been established within the park, and authorities have requested that the public avoid the area.
3 outlets · Three animals stolen during overnight raid at Nelson SPCA
A Nelson pet shelter is working with police to find a cat and two dogs stolen during a Sunday night break-in. While one dog has been located, two animals remain missing. Staff reported finding cut fences and open cages when arriving at the shelter on Monday morning.
3 outlets · Teen arrested after three people injured during supermarket theft getaway
A teenager has been charged following an incident in a Henderson Woolworths car park on 27 January. Police say a vehicle fleeing a theft crashed into another car, injuring three bystanders. The victims were also allegedly robbed of a handbag while exchanging details after the collision.
3 outlets · Wellington Council to increase security for pride events
Wellington City Council plans to implement extra safety measures for next month's pride events. This decision follows recent disruptions at Auckland pride events by protesters linked to Destiny Church. Mayor Tory Whanau stated that security teams and CCTV will be used to provide immediate support.
3 outlets · Severe thunderstorms and high temperatures forecast for parts of the South Island
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Southland, southern Central Otago, and parts of Dunedin and Clutha until 9pm on Tuesday. These storms could bring rainfall rates of 25mm to 40mm per hour, potentially causing flooding and slips. Meanwhile, Christchurch is expected to experience high temperatures.
3 outlets · Fonterra to pay dairy farmers for climate efforts
Fonterra will pay an extra 1 to 5 cents per kilogram of milk solids to farms that meet specific climate criteria. The incentive programme is set to begin on 1 June, with the co-operative estimating that more than 5,000 farms will be eligible for the bonus.
3 outlets · Motorcyclist dies following single-vehicle crash in Central Otago
A motorcyclist has died after a single-vehicle crash on Bannockburn Road in the Nevis area. The incident occurred around 10pm on Monday, and the rider was found in critical condition before dying at the scene. Police are currently investigating the circumstances of the crash.
3 outlets · Inquiry finds flaws in protection of census and vaccination data
An inquiry led by Sir Brian Roche found that Stats NZ and the Ministry of Health lacked sufficient safeguards to prevent data misuse. The investigation followed allegations that census data collected by Manurewa Marae was used for political campaigning. Chief Statistician Mark Sowden has since resigned.
2 outlets · New Zealanders face complications after overseas weight loss surgery
Patients returning from weight loss procedures in countries such as Mexico, Thailand and Turkey are facing potentially life-threatening complications. Surgeons warn that many people are undergoing these operations without adequate preparation, which is placing further pressure on the public health system.
+15 outlets · Kyle Jamieson called up as Lockie Ferguson ruled out of tournament
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy after experiencing right foot pain during a warm-up match in Karachi. Kyle Jamieson has been called up to the Black Caps squad to replace him ahead of their opening game against Pakistan.
2 outlets · Man convicted after large methamphetamine and cash found in Hutt Valley room
Sunia Mano To’ofohe has been found guilty on multiple drug charges after police discovered 11kg of methamphetamine and $600,000 in cash in his rented room. The 45-year-old truck driver was arrested at a Levin service station in May 2023 during a drug-dealing investigation.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand flight from Wellington cancelled after bird strike
An Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Auckland was cancelled on Tuesday afternoon. The airline confirmed the cancellation was caused by a bird strike occurring earlier in the day.
1 outlet · New Zealand considers increasing defence spending to meet targets
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that New Zealand aims to spend close to 2% of its GDP on defence. This follows pressure from US President Donald Trump for allies to increase their military spending.
2 outlets · Originair resumes flights between Wellington and Taupō
Originair has restored the flight route between Wellington and Taupō using 18-seat planes. The Nelson-based airline began operating the service on Monday, with flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
2 outlets · Police seek sightings of missing Rotorua man Mark Taute
Police are appealing for information regarding 51-year-old Mark Taute, also known as Mark Edwards, who is missing. He was last seen in the Hamurana area of Rotorua on 9 February. Authorities have expressed concerns for his welfare.
2 outlets · Higher fuel margins may limit petrol price relief for motorists
Increased margins for fuel importers could reduce the impact of falling oil prices on New Zealand drivers. MBIE data indicates that importer margins accounted for approximately 15 to 16 per cent of fuel prices during early 2025.
2 outlets · Cancer survivor Jake Bailey encourages young people to embrace challenges
Author and cancer survivor Jake Bailey says young people need to face everyday challenges to build resilience. Having shared his experiences with over 100,000 people globally, Bailey expressed concern that youth are increasingly being shielded from the adversity necessary to develop life skills.
2 outlets · Crown describes Queen Street shooting as execution style murder
A jury has viewed CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of Sione Tuuholoaki on Auckland's Queen Street. Prosecutors allege Dariush Talagi shot the victim in the back of the head at point-blank range during a fight in August 2023.
2 outlets · Man arrested for alleged seagull killing in central Dunedin
A 54-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a seagull in the Octagon. Police located the man on George Street on Monday evening. He is wanted regarding a cruelty to animals matter that occurred last Wednesday.
2 outlets · Canterbury businessman pleads guilty to offensive behaviour at Dunedin pool
Mark Stephen Lester pleaded guilty to offensive behaviour at the Dunedin District Court following an incident at Moana Pool. The 53-year-old businessman was caught filming children changing in a cubicle. He has been ordered to pay $750 to the victims.
3 outlets · Belgian ultrarunner breaks record for running the length of New Zealand
Karel Sabbe has completed the 3000km Te Araroa trail in 31 days, 19 hours and 41 minutes. The Belgian runner broke the previous record by more than 17 and a half days while running from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
2 outlets · Pitch invader hospitalised during rugby match at Eden Park
A person was hospitalised after interrupting play during the Blues versus Chiefs match at Eden Park on Saturday. Hato Hone St John treated the individual on Reimers Avenue before transporting them to Auckland Hospital in moderate condition. Security tackled the pitch invader during the game.
2 outlets · Police monitor funeral procession in South Auckland
Police are monitoring a funeral procession involving gang associates moving through the Counties Manukau district. Officers are present to oversee community safety and traffic. Motorists have been asked to report any unlawful or antisocial behaviour on the roads.
2 outlets · Property investors consider short-term rentals to increase yields
Investors are increasingly looking at short-term rentals, such as baches, to spread portfolio risk and seek higher yields. In December, the average daily rate reached $290.47, up from $195.74 in 2019. Occupancy rates varied by region, with Christchurch seeing 65.7% occupancy compared to 55.7% in Auckland.
2 outlets · Honesty box stolen from Campbells Bay Tennis Club
Thieves dug up and stole an honesty box from a tennis club on Auckland's North Shore on Wednesday morning. The box contained several hundred dollars and was reportedly taken away in a rubbish bin. In response, the club plans to implement an electronic payment system.
3 outlets · Kane Williamson signs two-year deal with Middlesex and London Spirit
Black Caps batter Kane Williamson has agreed to play in England during the 2025 season. The two-year deal includes appearances for Middlesex in the County Championships and T20 competition, as well as playing for the London Spirit franchise in The Hundred.
2 outlets · Three high-level health officials resign amid New Zealand health sector crisis
New Zealand's health sector faces a leadership crisis following the resignations of Margie Apa, Nicholas Jones, and Diana Sarfati. These departures occur as the system deals with budget issues, staff shortages, and increasing waiting times.
2 outlets · Deportation of New Zealand-born teen Daman Kumar is on hold
The deportation of 18-year-old Daman Kumar to India has been paused pending a decision by Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk. Kumar was born in New Zealand but faces deportation due to an immigration law change. The Labour Party has described ministerial intervention in the case as a sensible move.
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