Four injured in Skippers Canyon water incident
Four people were injured during a water incident involving a boat near Skippers Canyon in Queenstown. One person with moderate injuries was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital, while others received treatment for minor or moderate injuries.
Minister Andrew Bayly resigns following inappropriate contact with staffer
National MP Andrew Bayly has resigned from all ministerial portfolios after admitting to grabbing a staffer's arm during a discussion. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated he would have sacked Bayly had the minister not stepped down. The resignation follows a previous incident involving the minister's behaviour.
Te Matatini kapa haka competition begins in New Plymouth
The Te Matatini national kapa haka championships have commenced at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth. More than 2,000 performers from 55 groups are scheduled to compete over five days. Large crowds and morning traffic jams were reported as spectators arrived early to secure seats for the opening day.
Pedestrian critically injured after being hit by bus in Wellington
A pedestrian was left in critical condition after being struck by a bus on Manners Street at 4.40pm on Tuesday. The incident occurred between Victoria and Cuba streets, prompting a scene examination by the Serious Crash Unit. Manners Street has since reopened to traffic and pedestrians.
Police called for reinforcements after disorder in Twizel
Police required assistance from out of town to manage widespread disorder in Twizel on Saturday night. An intoxicated group caused assaults, property damage, and attempted to enter a local bar following the New Zealand Rowing Championships. Authorities also shut down a house party at a property rented by a Christchurch rowing club.
Phil Twyford claims rubbish dumped outside office over Destiny Church stance
Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford says a pile of rubbish was left outside his Henderson office. He suspects the incident is linked to his recent calls for Destiny Church to be removed from the charities register. A spokesperson for the church has denied involvement.
Police seek vehicle sightings after Masterton church arsons
Police are investigating suspicious fires that caused moderate to significant damage at several Masterton churches on Saturday morning. Investigators are appealing for sightings of a green Ford Festiva seen leaving one of the scenes. Authorities say they are currently following strong lines of enquiry regarding the incidents.
Emergency services respond to house fire in Bishopdale
Firefighters and police attended a house fire on Clotilda Place in Bishopdale on Tuesday morning. A neighbour reported hearing a large explosion as the blaze broke out, which is understood to involve a boat in a garage. A man escaped the two-storey home during the incident.
Chinese warships conduct live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea
Three Chinese navy ships have been conducting live-fire exercises in international waters off Australia's east coast. These drills forced 49 flights to change their paths on Friday. The fleet includes the frigate Hengyang, the cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi.
West Auckland principals report issues with school lunch programme
Principals at Massey Primary and Lincoln Heights schools have raised concerns regarding the revamped school lunch programme. Issues include repetitive meals, late deliveries, and a lack of halal options for students. Representatives from the provider group recently met with the schools to discuss these problems.
First day of Te Matatini kapa haka competition concludes in Taranaki
The first 14 kapa haka rōpū performed on Tuesday during the opening day of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands. Out of these initial performers, only three will qualify for the finals. A total of 55 groups are scheduled to perform throughout the festival.
Labour criticises spending on retail crime advisory group
The Labour Party has criticised government expenditure on a retail crime advisory group. Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen highlighted that the group's chair, Sunny Kaushal, receives $920 a day. The National-led coalition government is expected to reveal new plans to tackle retail crime following advice from the $3.6 million group.
Ministry for Primary Industries withdraws staff from minister's office
The Ministry for Primary Industries has stopped seconding employees to the office of Rural Communities and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson. This decision follows formal complaints from staff regarding issues that have reportedly impacted their mental health and wellbeing.
Wellington mayor and submitters voice concerns over Treaty Principles Bill
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau warned that the Treaty Principles Bill could create uncertainty for local government. Meanwhile, Sharon Hawke, representing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, argued the bill would undermine the partnership between the Crown and Māori during parliamentary hearings.
Winston Peters to discuss Cook Islands relations during Beijing visit
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived in Beijing for a 48-hour visit to meet senior Chinese leaders. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says Peters should address China's agreements with the Cook Islands to restate New Zealand's relationship with the nation. The visit follows recent Chinese live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea.
Four people charged following burglaries in Waihi and Waihi Beach
Four people have appeared in court after three separate burglaries occurred between 23 January and 5 February. Stolen items included food, clothing, and a car. Two of the suspects were arrested after walking past the local police station, with police noting that public information helped identify them.
Police investigate death of three-year-old in Whangārei driveway incident
A three-year-old child has died following an incident involving a vehicle in a driveway in Te Kamo. Emergency services were called to a Church Road address at 1.37pm on Sunday. Northland police are currently investigating the circumstances of the death.
Two arrested after road rage incident leaves motorist seriously injured
Police are seeking information following an alleged assault in Northland that left a motorist with serious injuries. The incident reportedly spanned multiple locations, including Crawford Crescent in Kamo and Ngunguru Road. Two people have been arrested and are being questioned in relation to the attack.
Winston Peters travels to Beijing as Chinese warships conduct drills
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to Beijing to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit occurs as three Chinese warships conduct live fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, causing confusion for New Zealand and Australian officials.
Last metal stretch of state highway tarsealed at Tāngarākau Gorge
Contractors have completed tarsealing 12 kilometres of road through the Tāngarākau Gorge on State Highway 43. This development marks the end of metal roads within New Zealand's state highway network. The route is part of the 150km Forgotten World Highway.
Tenant ordered to pay landlord $10,356 for rental property damage
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered an Auckland tenant to pay over $10,000 for damages. The property was left with broken windows, graffiti, holes in walls, and a large amount of rubbish. The landlord is seeking compensation for repair costs after the cleanup required four people working for four days.
Protesters remain at Lake Rotokākahi amid sewerage pipeline works
Protesters at Rotorua’s Lake Rotokākahi say they will not leave despite recent police intervention and seven arrests. The group opposes the $29 million Tarawera Sewerage Scheme, while the council maintains the pipeline is essential to reduce pollution in Lake Tarawera.
Hastings councillor clashes with mayoral candidate over rates and holiday
Councillor Damon Harvey criticised mayoral candidate Marcus Buddo for his recent European holiday. The dispute arose following Buddo's campaign launch focused on financial responsibility and his comments regarding council spending.
Offshore online stores causing concern for New Zealand retailers
New Zealanders spent more than $6 billion online last year, according to New Zealand Post data. While overseas transactions are growing faster than domestic ones, the average offshore spend is falling as platforms like Temu disrupt local shopping habits.
Executive director and legal counsel resign from Covid inquiry
The executive director and two legal counsel have resigned from the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry. Reports suggest the departures involve concerns regarding how the inquiry is being managed. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden stated she will not speculate on the reasons and expects a final report by February next year.
One person dead after single-vehicle crash on Pahiatua-Mangahao Road
A person has died and two others sustained minor injuries following a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 5pm on Pahiatua-Mangahao Road, between Ridge Road North and Soldiers Road. The crash resulted in the road being blocked between Pahiatua and Palmerston North.
Office worker jailed for stealing over $500,000 from employer
Elizabeth Audrey Donohue has been sentenced in Pukekohe District Court for stealing $522,000 from Customkit Buildings over 14 months. The theft resulted in the business closing and seven colleagues losing their jobs. Donohue reportedly spent the funds on jewellery, cruises, and beauty treatments.
Wiremu Curtis seeks legal advice to appeal Nia Glassie murder conviction
Wiremu Curtis is seeking legal advice to appeal his murder conviction for the 2007 death of three-year-old Nia Glassie. Curtis claims his brother, Michael Curtis, delivered the fatal blow and that he was not in a relationship with the child's mother.
Rotorua considers freeze on new bottle stores to reduce alcohol harm
Rotorua Lakes Council is considering a freeze on new bottle stores and earlier bar closing times to address community alcohol harm. The council may soon decide whether to consult on an updated alcohol policy following significant public opposition to local liquor licences.
Wellington boy injured after mountain biking accident on Mount Victoria
Twelve-year-old Dominic Gardner sustained a brain injury on Saturday after a bike jump went wrong on Mount Victoria's mountain biking trails. His mother, Amanda Gardner, expressed gratitude for the community support following the accident.
Man jailed for eight years for sexual offending towards infant and toddler
Damian Nigal Archbold has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually violating an infant and filming the abuse. Archbold pleaded guilty to seven charges of sexual violation and one charge of indecent assault. The court heard how the offending involved trading images of child exploitation online.
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau ends monthly radio appearances
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has cancelled her regular monthly slot on Newstalk ZB's Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills. Her team stated they intend to explore different ways to communicate with the public. Whanau indicated the decision was made because the radio slot was not the direction she wished to take.
New Zealanders taking shorter overseas experiences due to financial concerns
Auckland Airport research shows the traditional Kiwi overseas experience is evolving. Due to financial concerns, 60 percent of those planning an OE intend to return home within three months, while only 10 percent plan to stay abroad for more than a year.
Marsden Maritime Holdings seeks new deal to acquire Northport shares
Marsden Maritime Holdings has reached an agreement with a consortium to acquire all Northport shares, excluding those held by the Northland Regional Council. The company intends to pay $5.60 per share in cash through a scheme of arrangement, which has received unanimous board support.
Auckland man identified as victim of Kaingaroa crash
Police have identified 31-year-old Evy James Busby as the man who died in a single-vehicle crash in Kaingaroa. The accident occurred on State Highway 10 on Wednesday, 19 February, and Busby died at the scene.
Missing Ōtara teenager found safe and well
Police have located a 19-year-old man who was reported missing from the Ōtara area. He was last seen in Otahūhū on Monday night. Authorities have confirmed that he has been found safe and well.
Two men arrested for allegedly riding on a moving freight train
Police arrested two men, aged 31 and 33, in Mosgiel on Tuesday morning. The intoxicated pair were found on the tracks after allegedly climbing on top of a moving freight train near Stedman Street.
Thick fog disrupts flights at Christchurch Airport
At least 17 flights have been delayed or cancelled due to heavy fog settling over Christchurch. Affected services include trips to Auckland, Queenstown, Invercargill, and Dunedin. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status.
Former Breakers player and coach Kevin Braswell dies in Japan
Kevin Braswell, a 46-year-old former Breakers player and coach, has died in Japan. The Breakers confirmed the news following his emergency heart surgery last month. Braswell previously played for Southland and the Saints.
Leon Samuels wins Pahiatua Shears open final
Southland shearer Leon Samuels won the Pahiatua Shears open final on Sunday. After qualifying sixth in the heats, Samuels secured the victory ahead of the competition. The win serves as preparation for his upcoming Golden Shears title defence in Masterton.
Father fails High Court bid to block daughter from private school
A father's attempt to prevent his daughter from attending St Cuthbert's College in Auckland has failed in the High Court. The girl's mother described the school as a "golden ticket," following a previous Family Court ruling that supported the child's attendance.
NZ Space Agency declines to explain MethaneSAT handover delays
The New Zealand Space Agency has not provided reasons for delays in handing over control of the MethaneSAT satellite to Auckland University. The multi-million dollar project involves a US-owned satellite and a nearly $30 million contribution from the New Zealand Government.
Rachin Ravindra century leads Black Caps to Champions Trophy semi-finals
New Zealand secured a place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals after defeating Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi. Rachin Ravindra scored a century to help the Black Caps chase down Bangladesh's total of 236 for nine.

























