Motorcyclist critically injured in Christchurch intersection crash
A motorcyclist sustained critical injuries following a collision at the intersection of Curletts Road and Lunns Road in Middleton early Friday morning. Police were called to the scene at 5.40am, resulting in the closure of State Highway 73. A serious crash unit has been involved.
+15 outlets · Four people hospitalised after chemical incident at Lyttelton Port
Emergency services responded to a chemical incident involving a ship in a Lyttelton Port dry dock on Friday morning. Two people were found unconscious in a tank and rescued by firefighters. Four people have been taken to hospital, with three reported to be in serious condition.
+15 outlets · Flights diverted due to Chinese naval live-fire exercises in Tasman Sea
Airlines flying between Australia and New Zealand have modified flight paths following reports of live-fire drills by the Chinese navy in the Tasman Sea. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned airlines to be cautious, while one flight from Sydney to Christchurch was reportedly directly warned by the Chinese military to avoid the airspace.
4 outlets · Former US officer convicted over death of New Zealand-born man
A former Colorado sheriff's deputy, Andrew Buen, has been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. The conviction relates to the June 2022 shooting of Christian Glass, a 22-year-old Christchurch-born man who was experiencing a mental health crisis after his vehicle became stuck in Silver Plume.
4 outlets · MP asks regulator to revoke Destiny Church charity status
Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford has written to the charities regulator requesting that Destiny Church be struck from the register. The request follows an incident in West Auckland where a group linked to the church disrupted a Pride Festival event, resulting in approximately 30 people being barricaded in a library.
+15 outlets · Jessica Mulford jailed for manslaughter of toddler
Jessica Lee Rose Mulford, 20, has been sentenced to five years and seven months in prison for the manslaughter of Harlee-Rose Niven. The two-year-old died from abdominal injuries in 2022. Mulford was found guilty of the killing at a Hamilton High Court trial last year.
4 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash in Central Otago
A person died following a single-vehicle crash on Glassford Road, near Drybread, around 11pm on Thursday. Emergency services found the individual deceased at the scene. The Serious Crash Unit has been investigating the incident.
4 outlets · New Zealand aims to raise $137 million for island restoration
The Department of Conservation is joining the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge to raise $137 million for pest eradication on Rakiura-Stewart, Chatham, and Auckland Islands. A $100,000 donation has been pledged toward a project to remove pigs, cats, and mice from Auckland Island.
4 outlets · Man jailed for 22 years after importing meth disguised as beer
Himatjit Kahlon has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in an operation that imported methamphetamine disguised in beverage cans. The drugs caused the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala, who died from organ failure after unknowingly consuming the liquid methamphetamine.
3 outlets · Former Ports of Auckland chief executive fined following worker death
Tony Gibson has been fined $130,000 and ordered to pay $60,000 to Maritime NZ. The former chief executive was found guilty of failing to comply with health and safety regulations following the 2020 death of stevedore Pala’amo Kalati at the Ports of Auckland.
3 outlets · Three young people identified in Dargaville burglary series
Police have identified three teenagers, aged between 11 and 15, allegedly responsible for a series of burglaries in Dargaville. The incidents occurred in the early hours of 18 February, targeting a petrol station, a dairy, and a retail store.
3 outlets · Police seek information after armed robbery at Kaikohe store
Four men armed with a hammer and a tyre iron robbed a Broadway store in Kaikohe around 11:20pm on Tuesday. The group stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing in a white Toyota Aqua, registration PSR418. Police are now appealing for witnesses or sightings of the vehicle.
3 outlets · Police seek witnesses after fatal vehicle fire in Puketaha
Police are searching for witnesses following a fatal vehicle fire near Hamilton. Emergency services attended the intersection of Marshmeadow and Holland roads at approximately 3.50am on February 19, where a person was found deceased inside the burning car.
3 outlets · Ngāokeoke crowned Bug of the Year 2025
The New Zealand velvet worm, also known as ngāokeoke, has been named Bug of the Year for 2025. This ancient creature is estimated to have existed in Aotearoa for 500 million years and is characterised by its blue, velvety body and orange spots.
+26 outlets · Auckland lawyer fined $275,000 for breaching foreign ownership rules
Andrew Jarvis has been fined $275,000 for providing reckless legal advice that helped overseas businessmen avoid New Zealand's foreign ownership rules. The breaches involved the purchase of sensitive forestry land in Gisborne and Rodney between 2011 and 2014.
3 outlets · Fruit and vegetable movement restricted in Auckland after fruit fly discovery
Biosecurity New Zealand has implemented legal controls on moving produce in parts of Auckland's North Shore. These restrictions follow the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly in a Birkdale trap. Authorities have released a map of the two restricted zones and will install boundary signage.
3 outlets · Government allocates $200 million to remove Auckland rail level crossings
The Government will provide up to $200 million to remove level crossings in Takanini and Glen Innes. The project involves building new access bridges at Glen Innes, Te Mahia, and Takanini to improve travel times. Initial work is expected to be completed around the time the City Rail Link opens next year.
3 outlets · Prolific Christchurch shoplifter jailed for nearly four years
Terese Odette Harris has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison. She pleaded guilty to 90 charges involving burglary, shoplifting, and trespassing during a nine-month spree that affected 13 Christchurch businesses. The crimes resulted in approximately $7,000 in losses.
3 outlets · Ngāpuhi leader Sonny Tau jailed for indecent assault
Ngāpuhi leader Raniera (Sonny) Tau has been sentenced to prison. The charges included four counts of indecent assault and one charge of perverting the course of justice involving a teenage girl in 2017. The legal proceedings concluded following a seven-year battle.
3 outlets · Chaka Khan to perform one-off show in Auckland this April
American R&B icon Chaka Khan will perform at Auckland's Civic Theatre on 16 April. The New Zealand appearance will kick off a tour that includes stops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Byron Bay. Public ticket sales begin this Wednesday.
3 outlets · Mackenzie District saw highest median property capital gains since 2000
New Corelogic data shows the Mackenzie District experienced a 1074 per cent increase in median property prices since 2000. While the national median value rose by 380 per cent, Dunedin recorded the largest increase among New Zealand's main centres at 500 per cent.
3 outlets · Electric Avenue music festival begins in Christchurch
The tenth edition of the Electric Avenue music festival has commenced at Hagley Park. Approximately 70,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event, which features almost 60 artists. Local accommodation is reportedly nearly sold out due to the influx of visitors.
4 outlets · Union requests review after serious multi-property fire in Wainui
The Professional Firefighters Union has requested a Fire and Emergency review following a fire on Lees Street in Wainui on Wednesday. The blaze destroyed one house and damaged three others. Union vice president Martin Campbell cited concerns regarding staffing shortages, narrow roads, and outdated maps affecting response times.
3 outlets · Carterton District Council seeks help to implement speed limit reductions
Carterton District Council is asking Transport Minister Chris Bishop for permission to proceed with proposed speed limit changes. The council has been unable to implement approximately 50 reductions following consultation in 2023 due to a new government transport rule.
4 outlets · Te Matatini kapa haka festival to be held in New Plymouth
The Te Matatini kapa haka national competition will take place at the Bowl of Brooklands from 25 February to 1 March. The biennial event is expected to attract thousands of people and could bring $27 million to the Taranaki region.
2 outlets · Invasive hornwort weed risk at Lake Karāpiro ahead of Maadi Cup
Officials are concerned that invasive hornwort weed could spread from Lake Karāpiro to South Island waterways during the Maadi Cup rowing regatta in late March. Helicopter spraying is scheduled to begin next week to manage the weed before thousands of rowers arrive at the lake.
2 outlets · Police seek man after altercation involving weapon in Auckland CBD
Police are searching for a man following an altercation involving three men on Lower Albert Street. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7.45pm on Friday. A handheld weapon involved in the incident has since been recovered.
2 outlets · Defendant claims he has no memory of shooting Sione Tuuholoaki
Dariush Talagi told a jury he does not recall shooting Sione Tuuholoaki during a fight on Queen Street in August 2023. Talagi stated he did not intend for anyone to die that night but said he feels haunted by the incident.
2 outlets · Hundreds of school lunches left uneaten across New Zealand
Students at schools such as Massey Primary in West Auckland are leaving lunches uneaten due to a lack of variety in the revamped government programme. Complaints have been raised from Whangārei to Auckland regarding the repetitive nature of the food deliveries.
2 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man's body found on Hokio Beach
Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered on Hokio Beach near Levin on Thursday morning. A member of the public alerted authorities to the body around 7.30am. While the death is not currently considered suspicious, police are making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
3 outlets · Man facing charges after alleged sexual assault in North Dunedin
A 36-year-old man is in court facing charges including burglary and unlawful sexual connection following an alleged rape in North Dunedin. Police are patrolling the area near the University of Otago after the incident occurred earlier this month. The attack has left local students feeling wary.
3 outlets · Three arrested during gang funeral in Te Puke
Three people have been arrested on weapons and drugs charges during a gang funeral in Te Puke. Police monitored the tangi for the father of a prominent gang member and issued a dozen infringement notices.
2 outlets · Dunedin and Christchurch councils consider three waters partnership
Dunedin City Council is considering a shared services partnership with Christchurch City Council regarding three waters infrastructure. The potential collaboration aims to deliver significant benefits and reduce costs for the Dunedin council.
3 outlets · Hamilton coffee roaster ranked among top 100 shops globally
Rocket Coffee Roasters in Hamilton has been ranked 62nd in a list of the world's top 100 coffee shops. The business was the only New Zealand establishment to feature on the list, which was compiled by industry experts based on factors such as bean sourcing and roasting.
2 outlets · Mongrel Mob leader jailed for methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis supply
Matthew Karetu, the national president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians, has been sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison. He used gang connections and a sidekick to distribute drugs across the North Island, amassing wealth through the trade. Police found $68,000 in a luxury handbag during the investigation.
2 outlets · Supreme Court declines Davina Reid's appeal for legal reinstatement
The Supreme Court has refused leave to appeal for struck-off lawyer Davina Reid. Reid was removed from the roll in 2015 after smuggling contraband into prison for a convicted criminal whom she later married. The court found that an appeal was not necessary in the interests of justice.
2 outlets · Ministry error leads to teacher shortages for 2024 and 2025
An Education Ministry error failed to forecast teacher shortages for 2024 and 2025. Principals and unions report that both primary and secondary schools are having to cancel subjects and combine classes due to the shortfall.
2 outlets · Government considers changes to Auckland viewshaft height restrictions
Transport Minister Chris Bishop is proposing new high-density housing developments in Auckland to support economic growth. The plan includes potential 10 to 20-storey apartment blocks near rail lines and a review of long-standing height restrictions designed to protect views of volcanic cones.
2 outlets · Closure of Ava Rail Bridge walkway postponed until end of year
The permanent closure of a pedestrian walkway on the Ava Rail Bridge across Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River has been delayed. Following concerns from local residents, the decision was put on hold to allow Hutt City Council time to develop an alternative route.
2 outlets · Parihaka matriarch and arts expert Maata Wharehoka dies aged 74
Maata Wharehoka, a Parihaka matriarch and expert in karanga, weaving and marae arts, has passed away at the age of 74. She served as the caretaker of the Parihaka marae for nearly 30 years and was a prominent advocate for the community's self-sufficiency.
+15 outlets · Stolen honesty box returned to Campbells Bay Tennis Club
An honesty box containing several hundred dollars has been returned to the Campbells Bay Tennis Club on Auckland's North Shore. The box was allegedly stolen from Centennial Park last Wednesday. A 25-year-old man has been charged in relation to the theft.
2 outlets · Inquiry finds Health NZ left sensitive data unsecured
An inquiry has revealed that Health New Zealand lacked the contractual power to monitor the misuse of sensitive health information. The organisation was unaware of these system weaknesses until the Manurewa Marae inquiry exposed the issue. Health NZ is now working to fix these contracts.
3 outlets · Thousands still waiting for Juicy Fest refunds after tour cancellation
Ticketholders for the cancelled Juicy Fest New Zealand tour have not yet received promised refunds. While organisers stated in January that the refund process had begun, many fans say they feel ignored. This comes as the Timeless Group has started promoting events for 2026.
2 outlets · Sky TV reports first half loss amid economic headwinds
Sky Television recorded a $1.75 million loss for the first half of the year, representing a 106% decrease in net profit. The broadcaster attributed the financial decline to difficult economic conditions and issues involving its satellite migration project.
2 outlets · Tipene Funerals director to address former employee's criminal charges
Managing director Francis Tipene intends to address recent criminal charges involving a former employee in a media interview. Fiona Bakulich faces 14 charges following an investigation into the interference with human remains. She is scheduled to appear in court on 28 February.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education projects teacher shortages for coming years
The Ministry of Education warns that schools could face a shortage of up to 1250 teachers this year. A recent report indicates that demand is expected to outstrip supply between 2025 and 2027, following a previous error that underestimated teacher demand.
+15 outlets · Chinese warships in Tasman Sea described as wake-up call
Defence Minister Judith Collins has called the presence of three Chinese naval ships in the Tasman Sea a wake-up call for New Zealanders. The vessels arrived without notice, prompting defence forces in New Zealand and Australia to monitor their movements. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to discuss the situation on Newstalk ZB.
2 outlets · Experts warn of inadequate funding for New Zealand navy
Two defence experts have cautioned that New Zealand's ageing navy is underfunded and insufficient for protecting national waters. These warnings come as the ship Te Kaha recently departed Auckland for a Middle East task force. The experts suggest increased defence spending is necessary to address current inadequacies.
2 outlets · Wellington sees largest median property value drop in main centres
Wellington's property market recorded a 25.1% decrease in median values over the past year, the highest drop among New Zealand's main centres. Despite this decline, an economist suggests house prices may begin to rise in 2025 following a significant downturn.
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