Luca Fairgray can be named after Supreme Court rejects suppression bid
The Supreme Court has rejected a bid by Luca Fairgray to maintain name suppression. The 22-year-old was convicted earlier this year for sexual conduct with a 13-year-old. He previously received a home detention sentence for sexually assaulting six girls, including two rapes, when he was a teenager.
+15 outlets · Wellington Water report reveals theft and high maintenance costs
A probe into Wellington Water has uncovered alleged theft, poor value from contractors, and maintenance costs significantly higher than peer councils. Following the findings, calls have been made for chairperson Nick Leggett to resign.
+37 outlets · Five-vehicle crash causes delays on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway
A crash involving five vehicles, including one towing a boat, occurred near the St Lukes off-ramp shortly after 6.30am on Monday. The accident blocked a citybound lane on the Northwestern Motorway, causing significant traffic delays. The crash site has since been cleared.
4 outlets · Police offer $100,000 reward for information on Brett Fraser murder
Police are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the 2014 murder of Brett Fraser. The 51-year-old father was killed in the West Auckland home he shared with a flatmate. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward to help solve the decade-old cold case.
4 outlets · Luxon maintains trust in Trump after White House argument
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described a robust exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "tough watch". Despite the incident, Luxon stated he still trusts Trump and believes the United States remains a reliable partner for New Zealand.
4 outlets · Prisoner dies and another is stabbed at Auckland Prison
A man was found dead in his cell on Saturday at Auckland Prison. In a separate incident on Sunday, a prisoner was stabbed during a fight involving three people. The Ministry of Corrections is investigating the death, which is not considered suspicious, while police are investigating the stabbing.
4 outlets · Activists scale weapons company building in Rolleston to protest expansion
Two members of Peace Action Ōtautahi have climbed onto the roof of the NIOA building in Rolleston. The protesters are demonstrating against the international weapons company establishing a presence in New Zealand. Police and Fire and Emergency services are working to safely resolve the situation.
4 outlets · Auckland restaurant Monsoon Poon to close in May
Monsoon Poon, a South East Asian eatery in downtown Auckland, will close on 3 May. Owner Nicola Richards announced the closure because the building is being sold and is scheduled for demolition.
3 outlets · Swastika jewellery removed from Wellington's Newtown Festival stall
Organisers at the Newtown Festival in Wellington ordered a vendor to remove a swastika pendant from display following backlash from attendees and social media. Festival co-director Martin Hanley stated the item was inappropriate and went against the event's kaupapa, causing distress and anger.
3 outlets · Man dies after being Tasered and pepper sprayed in Ōrere Point
Police are investigating the death of a man who became unresponsive following an arrest at Ōrere Point on Sunday. Officers used a Taser, pepper spray, and a police dog during the volatile incident. While initial reports mentioned a samurai sword, police have since clarified the man threatened officers with a metal pole.
3 outlets · Woman's death in Morningside ruled not suspicious
Police have determined there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding a woman's death at a Morningside property last Friday. Officers were called to the Don Croot Street address after she was found unresponsive. A post-mortem has confirmed no foul play, and the case has been referred to the Coroner.
3 outlets · Government announces new telehealth service and funding for general practice
The Government has unveiled a 24-hour digital telehealth service to improve access to primary healthcare. Additionally, plans include a $285 million funding uplift for general practice and efforts to recruit 100 overseas-trained doctors.
3 outlets · Man charged after stolen car crash leaves driver critically injured
A 42-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving causing injury and driving while disqualified following a crash on State Highway 2 near Pōkeno. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon when the driver of a stolen vehicle swerved to avoid road spikes and collided with an oncoming car. The injured driver remains in hospital in stable condition.
3 outlets · Cooler temperatures and wet weather forecast as autumn arrives
MetService is forecasting a cool week for most of New Zealand with heavy rain and thundery weather. Biting southerlies are expected along the eastern and southern North Island coastlines. Brighter conditions are anticipated to return by the end of the working week.
4 outlets · Ten finalists announced for 2025 Taite Music Prize
Ten albums have been named as finalists for this year's Taite Music Prize, including artists such as Troy Kingi, Fazerdaze, and Delaney Davidson. The nominees represent various genres, including Māori funk and psych-rock. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Auckland on 15 April.
3 outlets · Survey finds most health workers believe cuts are damaging services
A Public Service Association survey of 1,300 health workers found that over 80 per cent believe recent cuts and restructuring have damaged service delivery. The findings contradict government claims that hiring restrictions and job cuts would not affect front-line patient care.
3 outlets · Anora wins best picture at the 97th Academy Awards
The film Anora won five Oscars, including best picture, best director for Sean Baker, and best actress for Mikey Madison. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana also won awards for best supporting actor and actress respectively at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
2 outlets · Wairoa could lose $70 million in flood protection funding
Wairoa faces the potential loss of $70 million in government flood protection funding if a solution is not confirmed by the end of March. Local organisations are discussing a proposed spillway, which may require some land and homes to be moved or demolished.
3 outlets · Paul Smith denies cannabis cultivation and dealing charges
Paul Smith, known as Gandalf the green fairy, pleaded not guilty to charges of cultivating, dealing, and possessing cannabis for supply in Whangārei District Court. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse to protest, claiming Smith has provided medicinal cannabis to people suffering from chronic pain and anxiety.
3 outlets · Principals call for end to new NCEA literacy and numeracy tests
Principals from low-income communities are calling to scrap new online NCEA reading, writing and maths tests. They warn the assessments are causing high failure rates, which could leave many Māori and Pacific school-leavers without qualifications. Students must pass these tests or earn extra credits to receive NCEA by the end of 2027.
3 outlets · Ombudsman criticises Hastings District Council over dam and stream maintenance
The Chief Ombudsman has found that Hastings District Council failed to maintain dams and clear debris from streams despite repeated warnings over a decade. This neglect contributed to devastating flooding in Havelock North during Cyclone Gabrielle, which affected more than 30 homes.
2 outlets · Pasifika Festival returns to Western Springs this weekend
Auckland's Pasifika Festival returns to Western Springs this weekend for its 32nd year. The event will feature over 1,000 performers from 11 Pacific countries showcasing music, dance, and food.
2 outlets · Police seek information on missing 25-year-old Māngere man
Police are appealing for help finding Jarridyn, a 25-year-old man from Māngere who went missing in Blockhouse Bay. He was last seen around 7.20pm on Friday, 28 February, walking eastbound from the Donovan Street Woolworths towards the Caltex service station.
2 outlets · Students at Murchison Area School ate food with melted plastic
Children at a rural Tasman school discovered plastic film had melted into their lunches. Principal Andy Ashworth described the incident as appalling after meals provided by Libelle overheated in an oven. The affected meals, which may have been fish pie, contained plastic that had baked into the food.
2 outlets · Peter Niko unable to explain reasons for 2016 Porirua rape
Peter Niko has been unable to explain to the Parole Board why he raped a 65-year-old woman in Porirua in 2016. Niko, who was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison, is now eligible to be considered for parole.
2 outlets · Five candidates nominated for Tauranga Māori ward by-election
Five candidates are standing for the Te Awanui Māori Ward seat following the resignation of Mikaere Sydney in January. The by-election follows Sydney's inability to take up his position due to ill health.
2 outlets · Roadwork completions and upcoming closures in Hamilton and Ōhaupō
State Highway 3 through Ōhaupō has been rebuilt following six weeks of work to address poor ground strength. Meanwhile, Hamilton City Council is planning road closures on Cobham Drive and Normandy Avenue, while access gates to Rotoroa Drive will close earlier than usual this Sunday.
2 outlets · Christchurch school placed in lockdown following threat
Parkview Pārua School in Parklands entered lockdown as a precaution on Monday morning after a threat was reported. Police are currently speaking with a person of interest regarding the matter.
2 outlets · Four youths arrested after armed robbery at Ōrākei dairy
Four youths aged between 12 and 17 have been arrested following an aggravated robbery in Ōrākei on Monday morning. The group allegedly entered a Kepa Road convenience store armed with a machete and two hammers, chasing a worker outside before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
2 outlets · Police issue formal warning to Te Pāti Māori over audit delay
Police have issued a formal warning to Te Pāti Māori for failing to file audited financial statements to the Electoral Commission. The party submitted an incomplete 2023 statement in mid-December, which missed the July deadline and lacked required signatures and an audit report.
2 outlets · Government to fund training for overseas-trained doctors
The Government is funding a new two-year primary care training programme for up to 100 overseas-trained doctors. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the initiative following a Cabinet meeting. The programme aims to provide training opportunities for doctors already registered to work in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet news conference
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is addressing reporters at the Beehive following a Cabinet meeting. The press conference follows his return from a diplomatic trip to Vietnam and comes amid questions regarding the resignation of Andrew Bayly.
2 outlets · Cause of Roxburgh town hall fire cannot be determined
Fire and Emergency investigators say the cause of the blaze that gutted the Roxburgh Town Hall remains unknown. The fire, which occurred in February, also destroyed the building's 128-year-old cinema. Investigators noted that the cause cannot be identified due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.
2 outlets · Headstones vandalised at Ōmāhu Urupā in Hawke's Bay
Police say between 20 and 25 headstones were damaged at the Ōmāhu Urupā in Fernhill over the weekend. The vandalism was reported on Sunday afternoon and is believed to have occurred on Saturday night.
2 outlets · Man arrested after alleged burglary in North Dunedin
Police arrested a 21-year-old man at Dunedin Hospital following an alleged burglary on Duke Street. A group is accused of breaking into the property and damaging a door, window, and plants. The alleged ringleader was found receiving treatment for a hand injury sustained during the incident.
2 outlets · State Highway 3 closed near Woodville following serious truck crash
A truck has rolled on the eastern side of Saddle Road near Woodville, involving a second vehicle. Emergency services are attending the scene, and the road is closed between Ashhurst and Woodville. A detour is expected to add approximately 30 minutes to travel times.
2 outlets · Driver arrested after allegedly driving at police laying road spikes
A 48-year-old driver was arrested in Dunedin following a pursuit that began in Timaru on Friday. Police allege the driver sped towards two officers as they were deploying road spikes, forcing them to jump out of the way. The individual faces several charges, including dangerous driving.
3 outlets · Person seriously injured in Upper Hutt vehicle and pedestrian crash
A person sustained serious injuries following a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in Silverstream on Monday morning. The incident occurred on Whitemans Road near Gard Street at approximately 9.50am. Police reported that the crash resulted in road closures.
3 outlets · Yvonne Chapman identified as victim of fatal Whangārei shooting
Yvonne Chapman was killed during a shooting at a Whangārei park last Thursday. Police have launched a homicide investigation and believe the victim and the suspected gunman were known to each other. The man involved remains in hospital with serious injuries.
2 outlets · New Zealand Defence Force participated in US-led military exercises
The New Zealand Defence Force was involved in the US-led Valiant Shield exercise last year. The drills, conducted in seas south of Japan, included live firing of experimental systems. This comes as China has been accused of provocation following the deployment of warships into the Tasman Sea.
2 outlets · Tenancy Tribunal orders Kāinga Ora tenant to repay rent arrears
A Kāinga Ora tenant has been ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to repay rent arrears. In one Hamilton case, a resident faces a $3,500 debt, while another tenant owes $17,000, a debt that would take 13 years to clear at current repayment rates.
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