Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr resigns
Adrian Orr has resigned as Reserve Bank Governor, effective 31 March. His departure comes three years before his term was due to end. Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby will serve as acting governor until the end of the month.
+26 outlets · Thirteen arrested following drug operation in Selwyn
Police arrested 13 people and laid 120 charges following a six-month drug operation in Canterbury's Selwyn district. The operation, which ran from June to December 2024, resulted in the seizure of over $22,000 in cash and $38,000 worth of drugs. Four men are due to be sentenced in the Christchurch District Court.
+15 outlets · Police investigate seven suspicious scrub fires in Port Waikato and Tuakau
Counties Manukau South CIB is investigating seven suspicious scrub fires that have occurred in rural areas south of Auckland since January. Five of these fires took place in February, and police are now seeking witnesses to assist with the investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage.
+15 outlets · Richard Prebble resigns from the Waitangi Tribunal
Former Act leader and Labour minister Richard Prebble has resigned from the Waitangi Tribunal. Appointed by Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka in October 2024, Prebble cited concerns regarding the tribunal's decisions and strategic direction as reasons for his departure.
+15 outlets · Large fire at Papakura scrap metal yard causes thick black smoke
Firefighters are battling a large blaze at Global Scrapmetal Solutions on Hunua Road in Papakura. Residents were advised to stay indoors with windows closed due to heavy smoke. While the fire has been contained, crews remain on site to extinguish it.
4 outlets · Government announces funding for nurse training and education initiatives
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced an investment of up to $55.8 million over five years to strengthen the nursing workforce. The funding will support 120 nurse practitioner training places annually from 2026 and provide advanced education for primary care nurses to help ease pressure on doctors.
+26 outlets · Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches southeast Queensland and northern NSW
A category two system is expected to make landfall between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast late Thursday or early Friday. Millions of people face potential impacts, including storm surges threatening 20,000 Brisbane homes and heavy rainfall. New Zealanders in the region are reportedly changing travel plans as the storm approaches.
+37 outlets · Gangs exert significant informal control inside New Zealand prisons
A new report by sociologist Dr Jarrod Gilbert reveals that gangs exercise informal control over non-gang members through fear and intimidation. The research suggests segregating patched members to counter this influence. While Corrections maintains it has control, the report highlights how gangs impact prison culture and inmate security.
3 outlets · Thorndon restaurant Daisy's to close at the end of March
Daisy's on Tinakori Road will cease operations on 29 March. Owner Asher Boote cited economic challenges and the impact of the past five years as reasons for the closure. The establishment previously operated as Tinakori Bistro for 30 years before rebranding eight years ago.
3 outlets · Supreme Court rejects Lai Toy's appeal against animal ill-treatment convictions
The Supreme Court has dismissed Lai Toy's bid to overturn convictions for animal ill-treatment and neglect. Toy had argued that an ownership ban breached her rights, claiming animals are taonga. She was previously found to have breached a disqualification order after more than 120 animals were found on her Waharoa property.
3 outlets · Wellington water reform draft fails to address Wellington Water issues
Two reports have revealed that Wellington Water has been overpaying contractors and maintaining close ties with them. While the Commerce Commission investigates certain service providers, a councillor has suggested that partner Fulton Hogan should refund overpayments following its reported $497 million annual profit.
3 outlets · Ministers fail to meet over school lunch programme issues
Education Minister Erica Stanford and Associate Education Minister David Seymour have been unable to meet to discuss problems with the revamped school lunch programme. While efforts to coordinate a meeting continue, diary issues prevented a scheduled discussion on Wednesday. Seymour maintains that he is addressing the ongoing issues facing the programme.
3 outlets · Group behind Transgender Pride flag painting on Wellington crossing speaks out
A woman has identified herself as part of a four-person group that painted Transgender Pride flag colours onto a Berhampore pedestrian crossing last Sunday. While a council spokesperson stated the paint must be removed, Green MP Julie Anne Genter expressed hope that the colours could remain.
+37 outlets · Truck driver seriously injured in Christchurch motorway crash
A truck driver sustained serious injuries after a concrete mixer rolled on an off-ramp on the Christchurch Southern Motorway on Wednesday. The crash occurred near Curletts Road around 11.30am, resulting in the closure of part of the motorway.
3 outlets · Teacher's registration cancelled after exploiting student with drugs
The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has cancelled the registration of a Wellington teacher for serious misconduct. The man, who pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual communication, used a fake drug dealer persona to trick a 14-year-old girl into performing a sex act for cannabis. He was previously sentenced to nine months' home detention.
4 outlets · Former All Black and Otago flanker Dave Gillespie dies aged 90
Dave Gillespie has died in Australia at the age of 90. The former All Black flanker played 23 matches for the national team between 1957 and 1960, and represented Otago and Wellington at the provincial level.
3 outlets · New Zealand advance to ICC Champions Trophy final after defeating South Africa
The Black Caps secured a 50-run victory over South Africa in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, supported by Mitchell Santner's bowling, propelled New Zealand into the final against India.
2 outlets · Christchurch Southern Motorway closed near Curletts Road after truck crash
The Christchurch Southern Motorway was closed eastbound near the Curletts Road off-ramp following a truck crash reported around 11.30am. Police stated the truck driver sustained serious injuries. Traffic is currently being diverted off the motorway at the Curletts Road off-ramp.
2 outlets · Trump tariffs could negatively impact KiwiSaver balances
KiwiSaver providers have warned that US President Donald Trump's tariffs may cause New Zealanders' investment balances to fall. The tariffs were enacted on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, leading to retaliatory measures. Providers suggest the impact may not be permanent.
3 outlets · New Commerce Minister recuses himself from grocery regulation decisions
Newly appointed Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson is handing responsibility for supermarket regulation to Finance Minister Nicola Willis. This follows Simpson proactively identifying a conflict of interest. He assumes the role after Andrew Bayly resigned from the position.
3 outlets · Wellington architects win 2024 New Zealand Institute of Architects gold medal
Hugh Tennent and Ewan Brown have been awarded the 2024 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects gold medal. The Wellington-based architects were recognised for their contribution to the field and their approach to design.
2 outlets · Boy gives evidence in father's manslaughter trial over Māngere incident
A 10-year-old boy has testified at an Auckland High Court trial regarding a fatal incident in Māngere. He described witnessing a violent argument between his parents before his mother jumped from a moving vehicle. The boy told police he did not recognise his mother due to the amount of blood present.
2 outlets · Horowhenua councillor working from Scotland will not seek re-election
Waiopehu ward councillor Rogan Boyle has announced he will not stand at the next election. Boyle has been working remotely from Scotland for several months, facing criticism and calls for his resignation during his time in the role.
2 outlets · Teen accused of Dunedin bus hub murder gives evidence in court
A teenager charged with the murder of 16-year-old Enere John Jnr PoePoe Taana-McLaren has addressed the Dunedin High Court. The defendant testified that he began carrying a knife and watching fighting videos after experiencing bullying. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge following the May 2024 stabbing.
2 outlets · Hamilton East councillor Mark Donovan resigns from city council
Mark Donovan has resigned from the Hamilton City Council, effective immediately. He cited a new job, family factors, and frustration with the pace of council decisions as reasons for his departure. Donovan was the third councillor to resign during this term.
2 outlets · Super Rugby Pacific teams named for round four
New Zealand teams have released their squads for the fourth week of Super Rugby Pacific. Changes include Beauden Barrett returning to fly-half for the Blues, while Codie Taylor and Ruben Love return to the starting lineups for the Crusaders and Hurricanes respectively.
2 outlets · Auckland man sentenced for fraudulent gambling grant applications
Joshua Gilfedder, 24, has been sentenced to six months of home detention after pleading guilty to three charges. The Auckland man impersonated two community organisations to submit four fraudulent grant applications through the Aotearoa Gaming Trust portal, seeking a total of $73,000.
2 outlets · Two companies fined after Clevedon forestry worker death
Turoa Logging Limited and Pulley Contracting Limited have been ordered to pay more than $300,000 in fines and reparation. The penalties follow the 2022 death of 39-year-old subcontractor Misha Tremel, who was killed while manually felling trees in Clevedon.
2 outlets · Central Hawke’s Bay mayor criticises government four-year term proposal
Mayor Alex Walker has described the Government's proposal for four-year parliamentary terms as short-sighted for excluding local councils. Walker noted that Central Hawke’s Bay relies on specific funding cycles for roading work. The proposed legislation to enable four-year terms would be subject to a referendum.
2 outlets · State Highway 2 closed near Carterton after two-vehicle crash
State Highway 2 is closed at the intersection of Somerset Road in Clareville following a serious two-vehicle accident. The crash caused a power pole and lines to fall across the road north of Carterton. Two people have sustained serious injuries.
2 outlets · Students distressed by new NCEA exam results
Some students are experiencing extreme anxiety and sleeplessness due to new high-stakes NCEA exams. Schools report that those who have not passed online reading, writing, or maths tests are under significant pressure. Educational institutions are implementing extra measures to support these students.
+26 outlets · Auckland in talks to host 38th America’s Cup
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has confirmed discussions with Emirates Team New Zealand regarding hosting rights for the 38th America’s Cup. Auckland Council is involved in the talks to bring the event back to the region. The city last hosted the competition in 2021.
2 outlets · Doctors Lance O’Sullivan and Rose Harris marry in Las Vegas
Dr Lance O’Sullivan and Dr Rose Harris have married in a Las Vegas chapel. The wedding follows a public engagement at a Warriors versus Canberra Raiders game. The couple was among thousands of New Zealand fans who travelled to Las Vegas to watch the match.
2 outlets · Mayor Stoltz and most Gisborne councillors to seek re-election
Mayor Rehette Stoltz intends to run for a third term in the upcoming October local body elections. While eight of the 12 district councillors are likely to seek re-election, three councillors have confirmed they will not be standing again.
2 outlets · Car and rail maintenance vehicle collide at Matamata level crossing
A car and a light rail maintenance vehicle collided at the intersection of Firth and Tainui Streets in Matamata just before 8.50am on Wednesday. The collision caused the rail vehicle to derail. KiwiRail has closed the rail line while an investigation into the incident is conducted.
2 outlets · Coroner rules surfer died from drowning at Aramoana Beach
A coroner has ruled that 35-year-old Jamie Civil died from drowning while surfing at Aramoana Beach on 26 March 2022. Mr Civil was caught in large waves before being pulled from the water. He was unable to be revived once he reached the shore.
2 outlets · Southland recycling bin inspectors to be fitted with body cameras
WasteNet will equip recycling bin inspectors in Southland with body cameras following reports of verbal abuse. The equipment follows the launch of an inspection programme designed to educate residents before a new three-strikes system is implemented.
3 outlets · Traffic delays on Auckland Northwestern Motorway after crashes
Commuters faced significant delays on the Northwestern Motorway towards Auckland city on Wednesday morning. The disruption was caused by crashes near the St Lukes Road overbridge, which at one stage blocked lanes. All lanes have since been cleared and reopened.
2 outlets · Reports find Wellington Water overpaying for repairs and prone to fraud
Two reports have revealed that Wellington Water has been paying contractors up to three times more than necessary for unplanned repairs. The investigations, which cost $330,000, also identified issues regarding widespread fraud within the council-owned entity.
2 outlets · Tributes for New Zealander killed on UK motorway
Cliff Tamou, a 58-year-old rugby coach and referee, was killed after being struck by a car while attending to a broken-down truck on the M6 motorway. Family members have described him as a devoted grandfather. Police have arrested a 22-year-old on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
2 outlets · Firefighters battle overnight blaze involving two boats at Tauranga Marina
Fire and Emergency crews were called to the Tauranga Marina at approximately 1.20am on Wednesday following reports of two boats on fire. Four trucks attended the scene to contain the blaze. By 6am, one truck remained on-site to dampen down hotspots.
2 outlets · Man admits charges after car hits pregnant spectator at street race
A driver has admitted charges after his unregistered car hit a 17-year-old pregnant woman during burnouts in South Auckland. The incident caused non-survivable brain injuries to the 32-week-old baby, resulting in its death. The defendant also reportedly threatened the victim to prevent her from speaking to police.
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