Wednesday 26 February 2025
54 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Government to expand citizen's arrest powers to combat retail theft
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is set to announce changes to citizen's arrest laws to help retailers deal with shoplifting. The reforms aim to allow reasonable force without age or value limitations. However, police and industry groups have raised concerns regarding safety risks and potential vigilante action.
+37 outlets · German tourist dies after being hit by car in Wellington
A 66-year-old German tourist has died in hospital after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Courtenay Place on Monday evening. Police are investigating the crash, which involved an 82-year-old driver. The victim's family has travelled to New Zealand following the incident.
+15 outlets · Police seek man following suspicious church fires in Masterton
An arrest warrant has been issued for 44-year-old Michael Kane McRae following several church arsons in Masterton on Saturday morning. Four churches sustained moderate to significant damage, while three others were also targeted. Police are searching for Mr McRae and his green Ford Festiva to assist with investigations.
4 outlets · Police search for driver after house falls off truck in Kaikohe
Police are seeking information regarding a truck driver who fled after a crash in the Punakitere Valley on Tuesday. The accident caused a two-to-three bedroom house to fall off its trailer and strike trees, blocking Ōrakau Road for several hours.
+15 outlets · Chinese warships enter Australia's economic zone during live fire drills
Three Chinese Navy ships have moved into Australia's exclusive economic zone in the Tasman Sea. The vessels conducted live fire exercises that caused flight diversions, prompting Australian politicians to question why New Zealand took over an hour to notify partners. The New Zealand Defence Force has released images of the task group as it moves west.
+26 outlets · Large vegetation fire threatens Waipoua Forest in Northland
Fire and Emergency crews are battling a large blaze on Waipoua River Road that has spread to 70 hectares. The fire, located south of the Waipoua Settlement, has prompted evacuations of the last remaining residents. Seven helicopters and four fire trucks are currently responding to the incident.
4 outlets · Trial begins for teen accused of fatal Dunedin bus hub stabbing
A 14-year-old boy is on trial in Dunedin for the murder of 16-year-old Enere Taana-McLaren. The defendant, who was 13 at the time of the incident, claims he acted in self-defence during the stabbing at a bus hub last May.
+37 outlets · Young motocross rider Eli Hankins dies after racing accident
Eli Hankins has died following a serious head injury sustained while racing at a club day in Tuakau. The 12-year-old was airlifted to Auckland Starship Hospital in critical condition on 16 February. The motocross community is mourning the young rider's death.
4 outlets · Former priest named facing charges for historical sexual offending
Rowan Maxwell Donoghue, 68, faces 11 charges including indecent assault and sexual violation. Police allege the former priest and dean of boarding abused four boys at St Bede's College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000. Donoghue has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
+15 outlets · Gang members charged after firearms found at Papatoetoe property
Police recovered a cache of firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during a search of a Papatoetoe home. The operation followed an incident on Monday where a gun was allegedly brandished at a person. Two patched gang members from the TwoEight Brotherhood face charges following the discovery.
4 outlets · Police review new information in 1998 West Coast murder cold case
Police are reviewing fresh details regarding the 1998 murder of David John Robinson after re-interviewing people in Kakapotahi. The new information includes reports of a single gunshot heard two weeks before Robinson's body was found on a beach near Ross. Detective Inspector Geoff Baber confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
4 outlets · Two men charged after Flat Bush liquor store ram raid
Two men have been charged following a ram raid at a liquor store on Bishop Dunn Place in Flat Bush early Wednesday morning. Police used road spikes to stop a vehicle after the incident, and they are currently searching for a third person involved in the burglary.
4 outlets · Pilot rescued after light aircraft crash at Tauranga Airport
Emergency services responded to a light aircraft crash at Tauranga Airport on Wednesday evening. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was rescued from the wreckage and transported to hospital as a precaution. The Civil Aviation Authority is now investigating the incident.
3 outlets · Luxon warns of rising conflict risks at ASEAN summit
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi that New Zealand is clear-eyed about increasing regional conflict risks. He called for greater transparency regarding military modernisation and defence capabilities. During the trip, Luxon also signed an updated trade agreement with the Vietnamese government.
3 outlets · Cook Islands Prime Minister survives no-confidence vote and criticises New Zealand
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has survived a 13-to-9 no-confidence vote in Parliament. Following the vote, Mr Brown wrote to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and accused the New Zealand Government of spreading misinformation. A spokesperson for Mr Luxon confirmed the letter was received and will be responded to.
3 outlets · New rules announced for citizen's arrests to tackle retail crime
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has unveiled new rules regarding citizen's arrest powers to address retail crime. The changes would allow members of the public to use reasonable force to detain suspected thieves. While the Government says the reforms will protect retail workers, business lobby groups have expressed concerns regarding safety.
3 outlets · Trial begins for Restore Passenger Rail protesters in Wellington
Four members of the Restore Passenger Rail group are on trial in Wellington District Court for endangering transport. Prosecutors allege their October 2022 protests created unreasonable risks for the public. The group previously disrupted traffic in the city.
4 outlets · Three-year-old boy named following fatal driveway accident in Whangārei
Reign Puriri died on Sunday afternoon after being hit by a vehicle in a driveway on Church Road, Te Kamo. Emergency services were called to the scene at 1:37pm, where the child was pronounced dead from critical injuries.
3 outlets · Loose steer injures people and damages property in Hamilton
A steer escaped a sales yard on Wednesday morning, causing property damage and injuring two people. Emergency services were called to the Hamilton Lake area, where police eventually used a gun to euthanise the animal.
3 outlets · Bone found on West Coast identified as missing tramper Marni Sheppeard
Police have confirmed that a human bone discovered in the Otira area last year belongs to Marni Sheppeard. The Christchurch woman disappeared while tramping in November 2020. Forensic examinations by pathologists and scientists were used to identify the remains found near Arthur's Pass Village.
3 outlets · Winston Peters seeks answers from China regarding warships and Cook Islands deal
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is attending high-level meetings in Beijing to discuss Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea and a recent agreement with the Cook Islands. During a bilateral meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Peters noted that New Zealand and China will not always agree.
2 outlets · International tourism spending returns to pre-Covid levels
StatsNZ figures show international tourism expenditure has risen 60 percent to $16.9 billion, returning to levels similar to 2019. While international spending has recovered, domestic tourism has seen a dip according to the latest annual tourism satellite figures.
3 outlets · Long queues and chaos at new Highland Park Pak’nSave opening
More than 5,700 customers visited the new $100 million Pak’nSave in Highland Park during its opening day. Shoppers faced hour-long queues and car park chaos, forcing the supermarket to bring in extra trolleys to manage the crowds.
2 outlets · Kāinga Ora management urges staff to stay positive amid job cuts
Kāinga Ora leaders have told employees to remain positive as further job losses are expected. Following the loss of 540 roles last year, the government recently released a turnaround plan. One staff member reported feeling stressed and exhausted by the management's approach.
3 outlets · Survivor seeks removal of artist's sculpture from Dunedin Hospital
An anonymous woman who alleges she was sexually abused as a child by a well-known New Zealand artist wants a John Middleditch sculpture removed from Dunedin Hospital. She has requested that Te Whatu Ora Southern does not move the 1980 Water Sculpture to the new hospital site.
3 outlets · Teacher sentenced for massaging primary schoolgirls' feet
Matthew Sue has been sentenced in the Wellington District Court for massaging the feet of two students aged 9 and 10. The incidents occurred in a locked classroom while Sue was teaching at a primary school. A judge noted Sue was a member of a Facebook group dedicated to feet.
2 outlets · Oranga Tamariki notified after incident at Christchurch school camp
Oranga Tamariki has been contacted following an alleged incident during a Year 6 camp at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch. A student has been suspended and an investigation has been launched. The children's ministry stated it will undertake the appropriate processes to respond.
2 outlets · Auckland Council to issue fines for unregistered dogs
Auckland Council plans to issue approximately 5,500 infringement notices to owners of unregistered dogs over the coming days. Each notice carries a $300 fine. Councillor Josephine Bartley stated that registration is mandatory and these notices serve as a final warning.
2 outlets · Expert advises Prime Minister to improve media communication strategy
Christopher Luxon has admitted he does not always communicate effectively with the media. This follows a recent interview with Mike Hosking, which a political communication expert suggested requires the Prime Minister to improve how he answers questions.
2 outlets · Tickets for Te Matatini 2025 finals day are sold out
All tickets for the final day of the Te Matatini festival at the Bowl of Brooklands have been sold. Chief executive Carl Ross confirmed the venue is at its 15,000 capacity. Organisers have stated that no tickets will be available for purchase at the gate.
2 outlets · Mural unveiled in memory of late Green MP Efeso Collins
A mural depicting the late Fa'anānā Efeso Collins was unveiled on Monday at a Manukau City car park. His widow, Vasa Fia Collins, said the artwork has provided healing and joy for her family. The former Auckland councillor and Green MP died during a charity run in February last year.
2 outlets · ACC manager seconded to Health NZ despite physical contact complaint
Senior ACC manager John Bennett was seconded to Health NZ for five months to address staffing gaps. Health NZ was not informed that a complaint regarding Bennett's physical contact with co-workers had been raised in December. ACC stated the matter was addressed but could not provide further details due to employment privacy.
4 outlets · Woman dies after fall in Mt Aspiring National Park
A woman has died after falling several metres while tramping in Otago's Mt Aspiring National Park. Police say the incident occurred on Friday, 21 February, when the woman slipped and hit her head while navigating exposed and difficult terrain.
2 outlets · Government proposes strengthening citizen's arrest powers to combat retail crime
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee have announced plans to amend the Crimes Act to allow citizens to detain and restrain offenders. While Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki expressed support, the Police Association warned the changes could lead to violence and a free-for-all.
2 outlets · Annette Sykes criticises the Treaty Principles Bill
Treaty lawyer Annette Sykes has described the Treaty Principles Bill as an attempt to erase the treaty from the nation. This criticism comes as former finance minister Ruth Richardson expressed support for the bill during select committee hearings.
2 outlets · Eleven arrested following gang patch breaches at Mongrel Mob funeral
Police have arrested 11 people after executing 13 search warrants across several regions, including Hawke’s Bay and Auckland. The investigation follows a Mongrel Mob tangi held in Napier in December 2024. Officers seized gang patches, gang-related clothing, ammunition, a replica pistol, and cannabis plants.
2 outlets · Napier plans to install water meters by 2034
Napier City Council has allocated between $2 million and $5 million in its long-term plan to install water meters. The project, expected to begin between 2029 and 2034, aims to improve system monitoring and leak detection. Napier may be the first local body in Hawke’s Bay to implement the meters.
2 outlets · Michael Hill CEO Daniel Bracken dies after medical treatment reaction
Michael Hill International chief executive Daniel Bracken has died following an adverse reaction to treatment for an underlying medical condition. The company stated he passed away overnight. Bracken had led the New Zealand-founded jewellery retailer since 2018.
2 outlets · Dariush Talagi found guilty of murdering Sione Tuuholoaki on Queen Street
A jury has found Dariush Talagi guilty of murdering Sione Tuuholoaki in Auckland in August 2023. Talagi was also convicted of wounding Jarome Alexander with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The defendant previously claimed he could not remember firing the shots on Queen Street.
2 outlets · Government uncertain of purpose for Chinese warships in Tasman Sea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the government has not been informed why three Chinese warships are conducting exercises in the Tasman Sea. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour described the movement of the flotilla through the region as a tactical error.
3 outlets · Abuse of children in state care has increased, report finds
A report by the Independent Children’s Monitor shows nearly one in 10 tamariki and rangatahi were abused or neglected in state care between July 2023 and June last year. The findings suggest young people are not receiving the minimum standards of care required by law, with abuse often occurring in secure residences.
2 outlets · Auckland Mayor calls for pause on Victoria Street linear park project
Mayor Wayne Brown has requested a halt to further work on the Victoria Street linear park in the Auckland CBD. He cited concerns regarding high costs and disruption to commuters and motorists. While the project is half complete, stage two has been deferred due to funding shortages.
2 outlets · Banks face increased pressure as borrowers refix mortgages
Banks are experiencing higher volumes of enquiries as falling interest rates prompt more people to refix their home loans. ANZ reported that recent official cash rate cuts and reductions to floating and fixed rates have led to increased call volumes and longer wait times at their contact centre.
2 outlets · Green Party announces intention to release alternative Green budget
Green Party co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson have announced plans to introduce a Green budget this year. The proposed budget aims to present an alternative economic approach to the current government. Davidson noted that the party intends to address issues such as child poverty.
2 outlets · Sex charges dropped against former CYFS caregiver Earl Opetaia
A High Court judge has dropped sexual offending charges against former Child, Youth and Family Services worker Earl Opetaia. The decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling that quashed his previous convictions and ordered a retrial.
2 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death on Onslow Street in Kawerau
Police are investigating an unexplained death that occurred at an address on Onslow Street in Kawerau this morning. Authorities responded to the scene around 8.45am and enquiries are ongoing. Police are currently seeking information from the public.
2 outlets · Lake Alice survivors named New Zealander of the Year finalist
A group of Lake Alice survivors has been named a finalist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year awards. Meanwhile, the Rangitīkei District Council intends to seek government funding to memorialise unmarked gravesites linked to the former psychiatric hospital.
2 outlets · Police seek help to identify man following Christchurch assault
Christchurch police are appealing for public assistance to identify a man on a scooter. He is believed to have information regarding an assault that occurred on 15 February at the intersection of Radcliffe Road and Main North Road in Northwood.
2 outlets · Marlon Williams announces national tour and Māori language album
Lyttelton-based singer-songwriter Marlon Williams will release his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, on 4 April. Following the release, Williams and his band The Yarra Benders will perform an 11-date tour across Aotearoa throughout May and June.
1 outlet · New AI model could help forecast volcanic eruptions
A University of Canterbury-led research team has developed an artificial intelligence tool designed to predict volcanic eruptions. By analysing data from previous events, including the Whakaari/White Island disaster, the model identifies seismic warning signals that may be applicable across different volcanoes.
2 outlets · Queenstown jet-boat company investigates Skippers Canyon incident
A jet-boat company is investigating an incident in Skippers Canyon on Tuesday evening that injured several people. One person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital, while seven others were taken to Lakes District Hospital for assessment. Two St John rescue helicopters were deployed to the scene.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon arrives in Vietnam for trade mission
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived in Hanoi with a business delegation representing the technology, education, and food and beverage sectors. He aims to strengthen economic ties and meet with Vietnam's top political leaders. Luxon indicated that regional tensions involving China would not be the primary focus of the trip.
3 outlets · Woman at centre of Fractured podcast avoids deportation
An immigration minister has ordered a reprieve from deportation for the woman featured in the Fractured podcast investigation. The podcast, which examines a wrongful conviction for child abuse, will release its second season on 26 February.
2 outlets · Public transport fares could rise significantly in some regions
Documents released under the official information act suggest bus fares could increase by as much as 500% in some areas. This follows NZTA requests for local authorities to increase private revenue to meet new government targets. In Wellington, funding cuts have also impacted plans for a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
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