Wednesday 19 February 2025
40 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police rule out sighting of Tom Phillips and his children
Police have confirmed that a reported sighting of fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children was a case of mistaken identity. The group, seen in camouflage in a State Highway 4 layby south of Te Kuiti on Sunday morning, was not the missing family, according to authorities.
+26 outlets · Tamihere defends data use at Manurewa Marae amid privacy inquiry
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has admitted census forms were photocopied at Manurewa Marae but denies any data was misused for election purposes. The Privacy Commissioner is investigating whether Census and Covid-19 vaccination data were used to aid a political campaign. Tamihere claims the Waipareira Trust is being targeted for being a Māori organisation.
+26 outlets · Winston Peters calls for reset of relationship with Cook Islands
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand needs to reset its government-to-government relationship with the Cook Islands. The call follows the Cook Islands signing agreements with China without consulting Wellington. Speaking at a conference, Peters described the recent agreements as opaque.
4 outlets · Fire damages two homes in Milldale, Auckland
A large fire broke out in a two-storey house in Wainui on Wednesday morning. The blaze spread to a neighbouring property, leaving one home almost fully burnt out. Nine fire crews attended the scene and confirmed the fire was extinguished before 3pm.
4 outlets · Hundreds evacuated in Dunedin following suspected gas leak
Staff and students were evacuated from University of Otago medical and dental buildings after a strong smell of gas was reported in central Dunedin. Emergency services cordoned off Great King Street, causing traffic disruptions. Fire and Emergency New Zealand later identified the source of the smell as a construction site at Dunedin Hospital.
4 outlets · Philip Polkinghorne's Remuera home listed for sale without open homes
The multimillion-dollar Upland Road property once owned by Philip Polkinghorne is back on the market. The listing agent stated there will be no open homes and will only cater to qualified buyers. Polkinghorne was found not guilty last year of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, at the residence.
4 outlets · NZ First MPs criticise Green MP for using name Aotearoa
New Zealand First MPs Winston Peters and Shane Jones have attacked Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March for referring to the country as Aotearoa during Question Time. The Greens have called for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to intervene, while Peters indicated he will seek to update Parliament's standing orders.
4 outlets · Police seek witnesses following fatal Waikato motorcycle crash
Police are appealing for dashcam footage after a motorcyclist died in hospital following a crash on Tauranga Road. The incident occurred on 28 January at 7:50pm, just north of State Highway 29. The motorcyclist was riding a red Triumph Rocket III at the time of the accident.
4 outlets · UK resident dies in Martinborough quadricycle crash
Alison Korny, a UK resident who previously lived in New Zealand, died after a car collided with a four-seater shared bike on Puruatanga Road last Thursday. Three other people were seriously injured in the accident. The victim's sister has since expressed gratitude to the community for their support.
3 outlets · Coroner rules 15-year-old's Waikato farm death was accidental
Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave has ruled that Jayden Disher's 2019 death was an accident. The 15-year-old was electrocuted while setting up an electric fence that touched low-hanging power lines on a Waikato farm. WorkSafe and the coroner have called for improved safety measures to prevent similar on-farm incidents.
3 outlets · Eight businesses targeted in Christchurch smash and grab raids
Police are investigating a series of overnight burglaries involving eight businesses in Christchurch. Seven shops on New Regent Street and one on Racecourse Road were broken into by individuals wearing masks and hoodies. The raids included several cafes, a tattoo parlour, and a jeweller.
3 outlets · Video game criticised for giving Māori character Christchurch attack birth date
Ubisoft has faced backlash after assigning the date of the Christchurch mosque attacks as the birth date for a new Māori character in Rainbow Six Siege. New Zealand players have described the decision regarding the character, Hāpai “Rauora” Iwini, as tasteless and ignorant.
3 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death after body found in burning car
Emergency services responded to a vehicle fire at the intersection of Marshmeadow and Holland roads in Puketaha around 3.50am. Firefighters discovered a body inside the car and alerted authorities. Police are currently investigating the death, which is being treated as unexplained.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate by 50 basis points
The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate to 3.75%. Following the decision, all major banks have moved to cut interest rates. Economists had widely expected this third consecutive reduction as part of efforts to support the economy.
2 outlets · Fletcher Building reports $134m first-half net loss
Fletcher Building has recorded a $134 million net loss for the first half of the year. The company's revenue fell by 7 per cent for the six months ended December due to difficult trading conditions across all business units.
3 outlets · NZME to cut 30 jobs in newsroom restructure
NZME is undertaking a major newsroom overhaul that will result in 30 job losses. Several high-profile journalists, including Claire Trevett, Grant Bradley, and Chris Rattue, are reportedly taking voluntary redundancy as part of the changes.
2 outlets · Sixty-three jobs cut as Callaghan Innovation faces disestablishment
Callaghan Innovation is being disestablished as part of a government overhaul of the science sector. Sixty-three roles are expected to be lost within the next fortnight, with more job cuts anticipated. Scientists at the organisation say the current atmosphere is grim as they seek new employment.
+37 outlets · Finance Minister proposes changes to charity tax rules
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has suggested revising tax rules for charitable organisations. The proposal follows research into how tax exemptions for charities can create advantages when they compete directly with for-profit businesses.
2 outlets · Patients face long waits for public hospital gastro appointments
People referred to public hospital gastro departments across New Zealand are waiting months for appointments, even when displaying symptoms of bowel cancer. Health NZ says it is currently recruiting staff to manage an increase in gastro referrals.
4 outlets · Hāwera catering business to feed thousands at Te Matatini
Tika Restaurant, Cafe, and Catering will be one of two companies providing food at the Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga event. Owner Kiri Erb says her staff will increase to 50 workers to provide meals and refreshments for approximately 2,500 people daily.
3 outlets · Te Pāti Māori calls Manurewa Marae inquiry a political hatch job
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says the party has been exonerated following an inquiry into the alleged misuse of census and immunisation data. Waititi described the investigation into the Manurewa Marae as a political hatch job.
2 outlets · James Cameron speaks at Vision for Wellington launch event
Approximately 1,000 people attended the first Vision for Wellington event at the Michael Fowler Centre on Wednesday. Film director James Cameron joined a panel to discuss the future of the capital. Panellists emphasised the need for innovation and leaders who listen to the community.
4 outlets · New taskforce to review Health NZ performance
The Health Assurance Unit has been established within the Public Service Commission to scrutinise Te Whatu Ora. Reporting to Health Minister Simeon Brown, the unit will conduct a rapid four-month review to ensure the health system meets specific targets and to drive accountability.
4 outlets · Abuse survivors protest for ACC eligibility changes in Christchurch
Approximately two dozen abuse survivors and their supporters marched from the Bridge of Remembrance to ACC offices. The group delivered a letter demanding reforms to coverage eligibility, immediate redress, and an end to government boot camps.
2 outlets · Passenger rights during domestic flight weight issues
Passengers on New Zealand domestic flights recently faced issues with overstuffed aircraft, resulting in people being asked to disembark or luggage being left behind. In instances where bags are lost or damaged, claims of up to $2,000 per bag may be possible.
2 outlets · Retired RNZAF C-130H Hercules lands at Wigram museum
One of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's last retired C-130H Hercules aircraft landed at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram on Wednesday. The plane, identified as NZ7001, arrived from RNZAF Base Woodbourne to be placed in the museum.
2 outlets · Man charged after burglary at Nelson SPCA leaves animals missing
A 32-year-old man has been charged with burglary following a break-in at the Nelson SPCA. While a Labrador collie cross has been recovered at a Tapawera property, a cat remains missing and two other animals were reported missing from the facility.
2 outlets · Man pleads not guilty to Queen Street murder charge
Dariush Talagi has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sione Tuuholoaki, who was shot during a confrontation on Auckland's Queen Street in August 2023. Talagi's lawyer claims he was acting in self-defence. During the High Court trial, a witness disputed claims that a verbal exchange triggered the violence.
2 outlets · Look Sharp fined nearly $300,000 for misleading pricing
Walond Limited, trading as Look Sharp, has pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act. The Auckland District Court issued the fine following widespread pricing errors where some products cost up to 33% more than advertised. The company also failed to correctly represent consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
2 outlets · Rotorua and Taupō partner to bid for regional growth deal
Rotorua and Taupō are collaborating on a proposal to secure a government regional deal. The initiative aims to establish long-term agreements between central and local government. The first deal is expected to be finalised by December.
2 outlets · Terrace Tunnel closed in both directions following three-vehicle crash
A three-vehicle crash in central Wellington closed the Terrace Tunnel in both directions on Wednesday afternoon. While the northbound lane has since reopened, the southbound direction remains closed. No injuries were reported, but drivers were advised to expect delays and seek alternative routes.
3 outlets · Driver jailed for fatal head-on crash near Hanmer Springs
Aaron Wayne Carter has been sentenced for a February 2023 head-on crash on State Highway 7. The driver, who was unlicensed and under the influence of methamphetamine, cannabis and diazepam, killed 76-year-old Graham Rouse and his dog. Rouse's wife remains critically injured in intensive care.
+15 outlets · Valuable Lithuanian medals stolen from Dunedin home
Police are investigating a burglary in central Dunedin where several valuable medals were stolen. The stolen items include five Lithuanian Air Force medals, a silver Olympiad medal, and a 1938 Lithuanian ice hockey team medal. Authorities are requesting CCTV footage to assist with the investigation.
2 outlets · Wellington homeowners receive notices showing average 24 per cent valuation drop
Wellington residents have begun receiving new rating valuations showing an average decrease of 24 per cent. While property values have fallen, economists say this does not necessarily mean council rates will decrease, as valuations are used to allocate rates across the region.
2 outlets · One person critically injured in Hunua two-vehicle crash
A person is in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Paparimu and Hunua roads. Two people were injured in the crash, which occurred around 9am. One person was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital by a helicopter.
2 outlets · Landlords face Tenancy Tribunal issues due to legal misunderstandings
Many homeowners renting out parts of their residences are unaware they must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act. The Auckland Property Investors Association describes this misunderstanding as widespread, noting that landlords are facing issues at the Tenancy Tribunal when disputes arise.
2 outlets · Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Otago and Canterbury
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Otago and Canterbury. The warnings, effective from Wednesday afternoon, alert residents to potential large hail and intense downpours with rainfall rates between 25 and 35 millimetres per hour.
2 outlets · New Zealand tourism slogan attracts international media attention
The new 'Everyone must go' tourism campaign, launched by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism Minister Louise Upston, aims to attract Australian visitors. Some international media have criticised the slogan as tone deaf, suggesting it could be interpreted as a directive for New Zealanders to emigrate.
2 outlets · Homeless extended family camped at Parua Bay for three months
A large group of homeless campers occupied a tent area at Parua Bay on Whangārei Harbour for nearly three months this summer. The group reportedly consisted of approximately 20 adults and at least nine children living in tents despite complaints regarding their behaviour.
2 outlets · IPCA recommends overhaul of police procedures for public protests
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has released a report following a two-year review into how protests are policed. The findings suggest police failed to protect individuals at one rally and made unlawful arrests at another. Activists and lawyers have expressed concern that new proposals could impact the right to protest.
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