Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue crowned Te Matatini champions
Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue from the Te Arawa region has won the Te Matatini 2025 title for the first time. Ngāti Rangiwewehi placed second, while Ngā Tūmanako from Tāmaki Makaurau took third place.
4 outlets · Driver critically injured in head-on crash with fleeing stolen vehicle
An innocent driver was critically injured in a head-on collision on State Highway 2 near Pōkeno on Saturday. The crash occurred when the driver of a stolen vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid police road spikes. The pursuit began on Dominion Road and lasted nearly two hours.
+26 outlets · Trump and Zelensky clash during White House meeting
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a heated shouting match at the White House regarding the war in Ukraine. Following the exchange, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for Ukraine.
4 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death of woman in Morningside
Police are investigating the unexplained death of a woman at a Don Croot Street property in Auckland on Friday night. Officers were called to the address after a woman was found unconscious, but she could not be revived despite CPR. An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.
4 outlets · One person dead and another injured in Māngere vehicle crash
One person died at the scene and another was seriously injured following a two-vehicle crash on Island Road in Māngere on Friday night. Police were called to the incident around 11pm. The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene and investigations are ongoing.
4 outlets · Luxon expects Seymour to address school lunch programme issues
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called on Associate Education Minister David Seymour to focus on problems with the reformed school lunches programme. Schools have reported issues including late deliveries, repetitive meals, and food that fails to meet dietary requirements. Mr Seymour is responsible for delivering the scheme, which was restructured to save taxpayer money.
4 outlets · One person dead in Loburn two-vehicle crash
One person died at the scene following a collision between a car and a motorbike on Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred around 1pm at the intersection of Birch Hill Road and Yaxleys Road in Loburn. Police remained at the scene and roads were closed following the incident.
3 outlets · Blues secure first win of season against Hurricanes
The Blues defeated the Hurricanes 33-28 at Sky Stadium to claim their first victory of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Mark Tele'a scored a decisive try in the 71st minute, though the Blues must await a foul play review regarding a red card issued to Sotutu.
3 outlets · Dilworth School issues formal apology for historical sexual abuse
Dilworth School has apologised to survivors, staff, and families for decades of sexual abuse and the failure to act. The apology, delivered by incoming trust board chair Jonathan Mason, acknowledged that the school prioritised its reputation over the safety of students.
3 outlets · Two people hospitalised after jetboat crash on Whanganui River
Two people were airlifted to Whanganui Hospital following an incident involving two jetboats at Brunswick on Saturday. One person is in serious condition and another is in moderate condition. Police responded to the water-related incident just before 1pm.
3 outlets · Man charged after three people injured in Takanini altercation
A man has been charged following an altercation between neighbours on Kutukutu Street in Takanini. Police responded to the scene on Friday evening, where three people were found with serious injuries consistent with stab wounds. The victims were transported to hospital for treatment.
3 outlets · Hyundai may bid again for Cook Strait ferry project
Hyundai could bid to build two new Cook Strait ferries following a meeting between the shipbuilder and Rail Minister Winston Peters in Seoul. The government previously cancelled a $3 billion order with the company due to cost blowouts.
4 outlets · Alex Hillary continues Sir Edmund Hillary's philanthropic legacy in Nepal
Wellington-based adventurer Alex Hillary is managing the Summit Challenge, an annual fundraiser for Nepalese communities. The initiative focuses on supporting education, following the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary building the Khumjung School in 1961.
2 outlets · Chiefs remain unbeaten with victory over Brumbies in Hamilton
The Chiefs maintained their winning start to the Super Rugby Pacific season by defeating the ACT Brumbies 49-34 in Hamilton. Despite scoring six tries, the Brumbies were unable to overcome the table-topping Chiefs at FMG Waikato Stadium on Saturday.
2 outlets · Sixteen people injured as cruise ship tilts near Milford Sound
Sixteen people were injured on the Crown Princess after heavy seas and strong winds caused the ship to tilt near Milford Sound on 25 February. The movement caused objects to fall from shelves and led to flooding in some dining areas. The vessel was on a 14-day trip from Sydney to New Zealand.
2 outlets · Customkit Building owners selling assets following $500,000 theft
The owners of Customkit Buildings in Pukekohe are selling assets after a $500,000 theft. Elizabeth Audrey Donohue, who was hired in April 2023 to manage accounts, is implicated in the loss of the company's emergency buffer.
2 outlets · Winston Peters calls for increased defence spending
Winston Peters has stated that New Zealand must increase its defence spending to meet the expectations of trading partners. He noted that the United Kingdom recently announced plans to raise its defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027.
2 outlets · Stewart Island tourism project completed after $4 million upgrade
A $4 million upgrade to nature tourism facilities on Stewart Island has been completed. The project includes the Southern Wilderness Experience and improvements to Rakiura Oneke, offering enhanced guided walks and better facilities for visitors.
1 outlet · Winston Peters gifted a horse during trip to Mongolia
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has been presented with a horse named Stamina during a diplomatic visit to Mongolia. The trip marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
2 outlets · NZ police join global operation targeting AI-generated child abuse material
New Zealand Police are participating in an international investigation into AI-generated child sexual abuse material produced in Denmark. While 25 arrests were made across 21 countries on 26 February, no arrests have been made in New Zealand at this stage.
2 outlets · Illegal dumping costs Southland and may lead to rates increases
Environment Southland reports that illegal dumping of vehicles and animal carcasses is costing the region money. Fifty-seven incidents were recorded during the 2023/24 financial year, and officials warn that these clean-up costs could result in a rates increase.
4 outlets · Wellington Indian Association celebrates centenary
The Wellington Indian Association is marking its 100th anniversary. A new book, titled Wellington's Indian story: beyond a century, is scheduled for release in the middle of this year to explore the community's long history in the capital.
2 outlets · Former Royal Ballet dancer Laurie Ruffell dies aged 83
Laurence William Ruffell, a well-known Hastings man and Royal Ballet dancer, has passed away in Sydney. After starting as a highland dance champion in Hastings, he moved to London at age 15 to attend the Royal Ballet School. He died on 15 January 2025.
2 outlets · Wellington school reports issues with new government lunch programme
A Mana College student and school officials have criticised the quality of the government's new school lunch programme. Concerns include food waste, poor meal quality, and administrative burdens. Meanwhile, the Principals’ Federation has requested that Associate Education Minister David Seymour revert to the previous lunch model.
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