Saturday 22 February 2025
16 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Chinese warships conduct live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea
New Zealand Defence Force personnel on HMNZS Te Kaha observed live rounds being fired from a Chinese warship in international waters. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the Chinese government did not provide notice regarding the task group's presence or purpose. The military activity previously caused commercial flights to divert from the region.
+26 outlets · Police investigate suspicious fires at four Masterton churches
Four churches in Masterton were damaged by suspicious fires early on Saturday morning. Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported damage ranging from moderate to significant. Police are investigating the incidents, which also involved three other targeted buildings and a funeral home.
+15 outlets · Police search for missing man after car found in ditch
Geoffrey Kelly has been reported missing from Hikumutu in the Manawatu-Whanganui area. His vehicle was found abandoned in a ditch on Makokomiko Rd on Friday morning. Police believe he may have become disoriented or sought assistance after being last seen on Thursday night.
4 outlets · Fourteen councils face fines over water fluoridation deadlines
Fourteen local authorities have been ordered to fluoridate some or all of their drinking water supplies. As deadlines approach, some councils face significant fines for non-compliance. The orders have caused anger in some areas, with one mayor stating he would rather go to prison than follow the directive.
4 outlets · Gisborne's Cobham School to close in June
Cobham School will shut its doors on 27 June following a Ministry of Education decision. The Gisborne primary school is closing after more than 60 years due to high staff turnover and a declining student roll.
4 outlets · Rotorua firm fined after teenage contractor injured by steel beam
Lakeland Steel has been fined $234,000 after a 17-year-old contractor was struck in the face by a 412-kilogram steel beam. The incident occurred in October 2022 when the beam was being manoeuvred by a modified crane, leaving the worker unconscious and requiring major surgery.
3 outlets · Man dies following roadside stabbing in Rotongaro
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man died from stab wounds on Hetherington Road in Rotongaro. The incident reportedly occurred during a roadside dispute on Friday night. A 25-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
3 outlets · Wong to discuss Chinese live fire drills with Chinese foreign minister
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong will raise concerns regarding Chinese warships conducting live fire drills in the Tasman Sea. The three vessels were spotted approximately 280km east of Sydney, prompting airlines to divert flights to avoid the area.
2 outlets · Highlanders defeat Blues 29-21 in Dunedin
The Highlanders secured a 29-21 victory over the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Despite playing with 14 men for 20 minutes, the Highlanders won the Super Rugby Pacific match in Dunedin.
2 outlets · Audit finds police staff accessed files on Lyn Fleming without justification
An internal audit found that approximately a quarter of police staff who accessed the national database regarding Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming's death did so without legitimate reasons. The investigation into the unauthorised use of the database began one month ago.
3 outlets · Police to monitor protest against Destiny Church in Albert Park
Auckland police will monitor a protest against Destiny Church at Albert Park this Sunday. The demonstration follows recent incidents where church members reportedly interrupted a parade and stormed a library. While activists plan to gather, a spokesperson for Brian Tamaki stated the church is ignoring the event.
2 outlets · Hurricanes face Fijian Drua at McLean Park in Napier
The Hurricanes are playing the Fijian Drua at McLean Park in Napier as part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Hurricanes are seeking a recovery following a recent loss to the Crusaders, while the Drua have historically found success difficult when playing away from home.
2 outlets · Person in custody after reports of armed man in Spencerville
Armed police responded to a reported firearms sighting in Spencerville, north of Christchurch, just after midday. Officers were conducting enquiries near Spencer Park, and one person has since been taken into police custody.
2 outlets · Government announces $4.5m funding boost for QEII National Trust
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has promised $4.5 million in additional funding for the QEII National Trust. The money will support biodiversity protection work and partnerships with landowners to establish protected land covenants over the next three years. A separate $750,000 injection was also announced for a Waikato conservation project.
2 outlets · Sunflower project brings joy to Central Hawke's Bay community
A two-hectare sunflower field on Ashcott Road is being used for a community project. Owned by the BEL Group, the dairy farm field is in its second year of planting. Local residents are invited to walk through the flowers and pick some to take away.
2 outlets · Foodstuffs guard fired for leaking photo of former MP Golriz Ghahraman
A Pak'nSave security guard has been dismissed for unauthorised disclosure of an image showing former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman being questioned. Foodstuffs North Island has apologised for the privacy breach. The incident follows allegations that security staff at the Manukau store attempted to extort money from shoppers.
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