Luxon suggests parents make Marmite sandwiches if unhappy with school lunches
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told parents dissatisfied with the revamped school lunch programme to make a Marmite sandwich and an apple instead. His comments follow reports of issues including melted plastic in food, contamination, and delivery delays. Education Minister Erica Stanford has requested a meeting with Associate Minister David Seymour regarding the programme.
+15 outlets · Erica Stanford seeks explanation from David Seymour over school lunch issues
Education Minister Erica Stanford is seeking answers from Associate Education Minister David Seymour regarding ongoing problems with the free school lunch programme. While Seymour aims to resolve quality and delivery issues by term two, a planned meeting between the ministers did not occur due to a scheduling conflict.
+15 outlets · Man charged with murder of woman in Whangārei
A 63-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Yvonne Chapman at Beach Road Reserve in Onerahi. Chapman was fatally shot at the reserve on Thursday, 27 February. A man was also found at the scene with serious injuries.
+15 outlets · Two men charged after police chase involving stolen caravan in Wellington
Two men, aged 25 and 31, have been arrested and charged following a police chase in Wellington. After a caravan was stolen from Khandallah, the vehicle allegedly drove at an officer and caused damage to parked cars and properties. The suspects were apprehended after attempting to flee on foot.
+15 outlets · Man charged over fatal North Canterbury crash involving two passengers
A 20-year-old man has appeared in court charged with causing the deaths of a 17-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man. Police allege the driver was under the influence of drugs when his vehicle struck a power pole in Clarkville on 11 January.
+26 outlets · Government sets aside $300 million for cancelled ferry contracts
The coalition government has set aside $300 million to cover break-fees and broken infrastructure contracts. This follows the decision to end a contract with Hyundai to build two new Interislander ferries.
+48 outlets · Police rule out recent sightings of missing man Travis Langford
Waikato Police have confirmed that reports of a man matching Travis Langford's description on Sunday were not him. Langford has been missing for over a month since his car was found burnt-out in Ngaroma in January. His mother has issued a plea for him to contact the family.
4 outlets · Government increases medical school places to tackle GP shortages
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 additional medical school training places per year to address doctor shortages. The initiative includes funding to send up to 50 graduate doctors annually into primary care. These changes aim to improve access to general practitioners starting next year.
+26 outlets · Police investigating man killed by vehicle on State Highway 6
A man was struck and killed by a vehicle on State Highway 6 near the Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve around 10pm. Police are working to formally identify the man and are asking for witnesses to come forward.
+37 outlets · Trial date set for man accused of murdering wife in Lake Hāwea
Robert White has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Karen White, who died at her Lake Hāwea property in March 2024. He appeared in the High Court at Invercargill, where a trial date was set for 2027. His lawyer expects to mount a strong defence against the circumstantial case.
4 outlets · Nelson City Council unable to fill forest manager role
The Nelson City Council has been unable to recruit a forest systems manager since first advertising the position in October 2024. The role, which offers a salary between $129,000 and $143,000, was created to manage the transition away from commercial forestry.
+15 outlets · Man identified after death following police confrontation at Ōrere Point
A man has been identified after dying following a confrontation with police at Ōrere Point. The incident occurred after a car chase involving a vehicle linked to a Takapuna bar robbery. Police say the man was tasered and pepper sprayed, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
3 outlets · Councillors consider legal action against Wellington Water following critical reports
Two Wellington City councillors are discussing legal action to recover ratepayer funds after reports revealed unplanned water pipe maintenance spending trebled between 2017 and 2022. The Commerce Commission is now investigating the entity's procurement processes. Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop stated that responsibility for regional water issues lies with the councils.
+15 outlets · Large pod of dolphins spotted off the Kaikōura coast
A pilot spotted a large pod of dolphins swimming off the Kaikōura coast on Sunday. Estimates of the number of dolphins vary, with reports ranging from over 100 to almost 500. The encounter was captured on camera by pilot Chris Lierheimer.
+26 outlets · Fergburger launches investigation following customer allegations of inappropriate behaviour
The Queenstown burger restaurant is investigating claims of unprofessional conduct after a customer reported a negative experience last Friday. The customer alleged that staff made sexual remarks and failed to fulfil her order after a 40-minute wait. This marks the second internal investigation the business has launched within a month.
3 outlets · Police search for missing 65-year-old woman in Dunedin
Police are searching for Penelope, a 65-year-old woman who failed to board a flight from Otago to Taupō on 1 March. She was last seen in central Dunedin on 28 February wearing a blue floral top and capri pants. Authorities are now appealing for public assistance.
3 outlets · Commerce Commission files charges against two Pak'nSave supermarkets
The Commerce Commission has filed charges in the Auckland District Court against Pak'nSave Silverdale and Pak'nSave Mill Street. The supermarkets face allegations of breaching the Fair Trading Act through misleading specials and inaccurate pricing.
3 outlets · Traffic congestion could cost Auckland $2.6 billion annually by 2026
A report commissioned by Mayor Wayne Brown estimates that traffic congestion could cost Auckland's economy $2.6 billion each year by 2026. The mayor is using the findings to support a proposal for a time of use congestion charge to manage road demand.
3 outlets · Woman charged with manslaughter after 11-year-old cyclist killed in Hawke's Bay
A 34-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 11-year-old Emma Jane Kupa. The girl was cycling on Chatham Road in Flaxmere when she was hit by a car on 30 January and died at the scene.
3 outlets · Father and son discover ancient waka on Chatham Islands
Nikau and Vincent Dix found an ocean-voyaging waka buried in the sand dunes of Rēkohu/Chatham Island. Over 450 pieces, including some with carvings and braided rope, have been recovered. Interested parties have until 7 April to register ownership claims under the Protected Objects Act.
3 outlets · Wellington rugby club loses liquor licence after fatal drink driving
The Johnsonville Rugby Football Club has lost its liquor licence after a member killed a pedestrian while driving drunk. Jason Tuitama was jailed for manslaughter after hitting 28-year-old Casidhe Maguire in a June 2023 hit-and-run. Tuitama's breath alcohol reading was nearly four times the legal limit.
3 outlets · Dunedin Hospital removes artwork by late artist John Middleditch
Health New Zealand has removed two paintings and a sculpture plaque by John Middleditch from Dunedin Hospital. The decision follows allegations from two women claiming the late artist sexually abused them as children during the 1970s. The organisation also decided not to display his work in the new hospital.
3 outlets · Pak’nSave Whanganui apologises after questioning customer over large grocery purchase
Pak’nSave Whanganui has apologised to Taysha Williams after she was asked for private information following a grocery purchase exceeding $1000. Ms Williams alleged that staff requested personal details without explanation and told her she could not leave the store until she complied.
3 outlets · Investigation launched into school lunches containing melted plastic
The Ministry for Primary Industries is investigating School Lunch Collective meals after plastic packaging was found melted into the food. This is one of four food safety investigations currently being conducted into the provider.
3 outlets · Teenager arrested in connection with Waikato aggravated robberies
Police have arrested a 17-year-old regarding two aggravated robberies in Waikato East. One incident involved masked individuals entering a commercial premises on Tararu Road on 28 February. The teenager is scheduled to appear in Hamilton Youth Court this Wednesday.
2 outlets · Witi Ihimaera champions new mentorship programmes for Māori writers
Te Kaituhi Māori has opened applications for its 2025 mentorship programmes to support emerging Māori writers. The initiative, championed by chair Witi Ihimaera, provides guidance from experienced mentors such as Paula Morris to foster new voices and ideas.
2 outlets · Barrier draw impacts $3.5 million NZB Kiwi race at Ellerslie
The barrier draw for Saturday's $3.5 million NZB Kiwi race at Ellerslie has created uncertainty for several favourites. While Sydney filly Perfumist secured barrier two, favourites Evaporate and Public Attention were drawn wide. Jockey Samantha Wynne remains optimistic for Pivotal Ten despite drawing barrier 12.
2 outlets · Luxon faces questions over handling of Andrew Bayly resignation
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged he could have communicated better regarding Andrew Bayly's resignation as a minister. Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised the delay in informing the governor-general of the departure, while National MPs have not raised concerns about communication styles with the Prime Minister.
2 outlets · Dunedin bus safety campaign paused following complaints over poster imagery
A bus safety campaign in Dunedin has been suspended after complaints regarding a poster featuring a student. The imagery included a Palestinian keffiyeh and a necklace depicting a map of the disputed land. One complaint was lodged by the Israel Institute of New Zealand.
2 outlets · Speaker rules on use of the name Aotearoa in Parliament
Speaker Gerry Brownlee has told MPs he does not expect further points of order regarding the use of the word Aotearoa. The ruling follows complaints from New Zealand First MPs after a Green Party MP used the name during Question Time. Brownlee noted that members have freedom of speech in the House.
2 outlets · Far North fire ban imposed after Waipoua Forest blaze contained
A fire ban has been implemented across the Far North following a blaze that burned nearly 100 hectares in Waipoua Forest. While the fire is now contained, residents have begun returning to the Waipoua Settlement to start clean-up efforts.
2 outlets · Lawyer challenges gang insignia ban in High Court
Lawyer Chris Nicholls is asking the High Court to overturn the conviction of Mana-Apiti Brown, a 19-year-old gang member. The challenge argues that the gang patch ban is an absurd limit on freedom. Brown was convicted for wearing a Nomad Bad Company cap at a community event in the Hutt Valley.
3 outlets · Police seek witnesses after fatal two-vehicle crash in Woodville
Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a green truck and a white Ford van on Saddle Road in Woodville. The incident occurred around 11am on Monday and resulted in one death and serious injuries. Authorities are asking for witnesses and dashcam footage to assist with the investigation.
2 outlets · Te Matatini venue capacity questioned as festival grows
Te Matatini chief executive says the kapa haka festival may need new venues to accommodate its increasing size. The event's final day saw approximately 15,000 attendees, while Te Arawa's Ngāti Whakaue made history by securing the top two spots in the competition.
+15 outlets · Man on trial for manslaughter after partner died in Māngere Bridge
A man is facing manslaughter charges following the death of his partner in October 2023. The Crown alleges the woman jumped from a moving vehicle in Māngere Bridge after being repeatedly punched by the defendant. The incident reportedly began after a dispute involving a food order and motorbike keys.
2 outlets · New Zealand second-hand market reaches $5.5 billion value
New Zealand's circular economy grew by an estimated $500 million over the past year, reaching a total value of $5.5 billion. A Trade Me survey found that 89% of New Zealanders purchased pre-loved items in the last six months, with approximately 81 million items sold.
2 outlets · Canterbury police issue infringements and impound cars after car event
Canterbury police issued 179 infringements following the Chrome Expression Session car event over the weekend. Authorities impounded six vehicles and ordered 44 others off the road as part of a crackdown on antisocial driving.
3 outlets · Trial begins for teenager accused of fatal Dunedin bus hub stabbing
A 14-year-old is on trial in the Dunedin High Court for the murder of 16-year-old Enere Taana-McLaren. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, testified that he habitually carried a knife but did not intend to use it during the May 2024 incident.
2 outlets · Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain watches issued for South and North Island
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Nelson, Marlborough, and eastern Tasman until Tuesday night, with small tornadoes possible. Additionally, a heavy rain watch has been placed for the Wairoa District starting Tuesday evening, with potential hail expected in parts of Hawke's Bay.
2 outlets · Woman charged with manslaughter after fatal Flaxmere cycling crash
A 34-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Sylvia Kupa. The child was struck by a vehicle while cycling on Chatham Road in Flaxmere in January.
2 outlets · Police acknowledge shortcomings following death of man in custody
Police have admitted failings in their response to the 2021 death of a 43-year-old man at an Auckland custody unit. An Independent Police Conduct Authority report found staff were too slow to perform CPR and request an ambulance after the man was found unresponsive in his cell.
2 outlets · Hamilton man charged with murder of Ngāruawāhia woman
Chalise Teira Barton-Barbarich, 34, has appeared in the High Court after dropping name suppression. He faces a murder charge following a brawl in Ngāruawāhia on 27 December last year. The victim, 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere, died from injuries sustained during the incident.
2 outlets · Company seeks funding for Trans-Tasman electricity cable project
Taslink is developing a 2600km deep sea cable to allow Australia and New Zealand to trade surplus electricity. The company has completed one private funding round and is starting a second round to raise millions of dollars for the project.
3 outlets · Police use of number-plate spotting systems increases significantly
Police use of number-plate spotting systems has risen to nearly 700,000 times annually, averaging almost 2,000 uses per day. An audit shows 8,600 officers now use the technology to investigate crimes and check on suspicious persons. Legal challenges regarding the use of these systems have been dismissed.
2 outlets · MP calls for revocation of consent for new powerlines
Taieri MP Ingrid Leary has accused the Invercargill City Council of making unsafe and rushed decisions regarding a powerline upgrade. The PowerNet Awarua 66kV project will affect approximately 144 properties with 21-metre-high poles.
2 outlets · Reports trigger overhaul of Wellington Water hiring processes
Two reports have highlighted issues with Wellington Water prioritising contractors over ratepayers and paying inflated rates for repairs. Following revelations of possible theft and mismanagement, board chair Nick Leggett is considering resignation and an urgent meeting has been called.
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