Health Minister to reinstate Health NZ board
Health Minister Simeon Brown will end Commissioner Lester Levy's term and reinstate a governing board at Health New Zealand. The plan includes transitioning to traditional governance and partnering with the private sector to reduce elective surgery backlogs.
+59 outlets · Hipkins announces Labour caucus reshuffle and economic priorities
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled a caucus reshuffle and a new economic team during a speech in Auckland. The changes include Barbara Edmonds taking on finance and economy roles, while Jan Tinetti loses the education portfolio. Hipkins stated the party will focus on jobs, health, and housing ahead of the next election.
+26 outlets · Road spikes left on patrol car damage seven vehicles in Auckland
Seven cars had tyres deflated after road spikes fell from a police patrol car onto the Southern Motorway early Friday morning. The incident occurred after spikes were left on the vehicle's roof following an arrest in Greenlane. Police have called the event a mistake and intend to reimburse the affected motorists.
4 outlets · Ministry of Education bans specific school lunches after student burnt
A student in Gisborne was allegedly burnt by a school lunch that was too hot. The Ministry of Education has instructed the provider, Compass, to stop using the packaged meals as they were not intended for commercial ovens. The Ministry has also called for an expanded investigation into the programme.
4 outlets · Three-vehicle crash causes delays on Northern Motorway near Silverdale
A three-car crash on State Highway 1 near the Silverdale off-ramp has caused traffic delays north of Auckland. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before midday, and one person has been taken to hospital. Southbound lanes have been closed, with traffic being diverted at the Silverdale off-ramp.
4 outlets · Auckland businessman found guilty of laundering $2m from term deposit scam
Carel Johannes Viljoen, 61, has been convicted on two counts of money laundering following a jury trial. The charges relate to nearly $2 million stolen from two New Zealand investors by offshore fraudsters in late 2022. Viljoen reportedly received more than $60,000 for his involvement in the scheme.
4 outlets · Taupō District councillor resigns after fourth drink driving conviction
Anna Park has resigned from the Taupō District Council after pleading guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol for a third or subsequent time. She appeared in the Auckland District Court last Friday regarding the offence.
+26 outlets · Super Rugby Pacific investigates Fijian Drua travel issues
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley has addressed reports that the Fijian Drua travelled in a luggage truck after their bus was cancelled in New Zealand. The incident occurred during a trip to play the Hurricanes. Officials have launched a review, citing communication breakdowns and oversights.
3 outlets · Drought declarations extended to more New Zealand regions
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified drought conditions in Northland, Waikato, Horizons, and Marlborough-Tasman as a medium-scale adverse event. The government has pledged financial support to assist farmers and growers facing difficult conditions due to below average rainfall.
3 outlets · David Seymour apologises after student burnt by school lunch
A student at Ilminster Intermediate School in Gisborne suffered second-degree burns to his legs from a meal provided under the government's school lunch programme. Associate Education Minister David Seymour has apologised to the principal, while food safety investigations into provider Compass have been widened. The meal has been removed from the menu as a precaution.
3 outlets · Timeless Summer Tour cancelled as promoter companies enter liquidation
Juicy Festival Limited, Timeless Events New Zealand, and Timeless Events Australia Limited have been placed into liquidation. Organisers announced on Friday that the Timeless Summer Tour is cancelled due to matters outside their control, following a postponement in December.
4 outlets · Councillor calls for halt to Chalice sculpture restoration
Christchurch City Councillor James Gough has demanded an immediate stop to the $400,000 restoration of the Chalice sculpture in Cathedral Square. The project involves fixing corrosion and repainting the 18-metre-high landmark. Gough described the proposed expenditure as ludicrous.
3 outlets · One person critical after car and motorcycle crash in Pipiroa
A person is in critical condition following a collision between a car and a motorcycle in the Hauraki District. The accident occurred Friday afternoon at the intersection of Shellbank and Bush roads. Police have implemented road closures and diversions in the area.
3 outlets · Man named following death after police confrontation at Ōrere Point
Police have identified 45-year-old Faasala Samu Matue as the man who died following a confrontation at Ōrere Point. Officers used a Taser and pepper spray during the incident involving a metal pole. A post-mortem has been completed, but a pathologist has not yet determined the cause of death.
3 outlets · Police end referrals to Destiny Church programmes following festival disruptions
Police have ceased referring individuals to Destiny Church's Man Up and Legacy programmes. This decision follows disruptions at the Auckland Pride Festival last month, including an incident where approximately 30 people were reportedly barricaded in a Te Atatū library after an event was interrupted.
3 outlets · Chris Hipkins delivers State of the Nation speech and reshuffles cabinet
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation speech and announced changes to his party's shadow cabinet portfolios. National Party's Chris Bishop criticised the speech and the reshuffle, claiming they lacked substantive policy.
2 outlets · Advocates say emergency housing access is becoming nearly impossible
Housing advocates and youth supporters claim it is increasingly difficult to access emergency housing as homelessness rises. Some providers report people are sleeping in hospital waiting rooms to find shelter. This comes as the government has tightened access to the emergency housing system.
4 outlets · Porirua mayor criticises proposal to sack Wellington Water chairperson
Porirua mayor Anita Baker has criticised Wellington City Council's proposal to remove Wellington Water board chairperson Nick Leggett. The call follows two reports into the water entity that identified issues with contractor management, financial oversight, and high maintenance spending.
3 outlets · Otago athletes win medals at national athletics championships in Dunedin
The national track and field championships have commenced at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin. Otago competitors secured several medals on the opening day, including a gold medal for Oli Chignell in the men’s 5000m. Approximately 700 athletes are participating in the four-day event.
2 outlets · New Zealand First seeks to remove diversity regulations from legislation
New Zealand First intends to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion regulations from legislation the party helped pass five years ago. Party leader Winston Peters stated a member's bill placed in the ballot aims to end diversity targets within the public sector.
2 outlets · Location uncertain for proposed Whakaari memorial in Whakatāne
The Whakaari Memorial Steering Group informed the Whakatāne District Council's living together committee that further engagement with hapū is required. The group has been exploring potential sites for a place of remembrance following the White Island eruption since late 2023.
4 outlets · Jury continues deliberations in Restore Passenger Rail protester trial
A Wellington jury has retired for the weekend without reaching a verdict regarding charges against four Restore Passenger Rail protesters. The individuals were arrested following 2022 protests that blocked highway traffic. Deliberations are expected to continue on Monday.
2 outlets · Philanthropist gifts Greenhithe botanical sanctuary to Auckland Council
Rosemary Platt has gifted 5.63 hectares of land in Greenhithe to the public. The $10 million donation includes a significant collection of kauri trees and will be protected as a regional park. Auckland Council plans to work with local iwi to develop the site.
2 outlets · Former teacher jailed for abusing boys at St Peter's School
Geoffrey Coker has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for sexual offending against young boys in the mid-1970s. The convictions follow a trial in the Hamilton District Court where he was found guilty on nine charges. Coker maintains he has been made a scapegoat.
2 outlets · Blues Women face Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki final
The Blues Women are playing the Chiefs Manawa at Eden Park in Auckland. This match is a replay of last year's final in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand halts flights to Brisbane and Gold Coast
Air New Zealand has suspended all flights to and from Brisbane and the Gold Coast due to Cyclone Alfred. The cyclone is expected to hit south-east Queensland on Saturday, potentially as a category two system bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
2 outlets · Fire ban issued for North Waikato and Coromandel zones
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season for the Waikato Northern and Coromandel zones due to dry conditions. Effective from 2pm today, the ban prohibits all outdoor fires and revokes any existing fire permits until further notice.
2 outlets · Man jailed for three years after Christchurch road rage stabbing
Avishek Chaudhary has been sentenced to three years in prison for stabbing a man with scissors during a road rage incident. The attack occurred at the intersection of Clarence St and Blenheim Rd in Christchurch last September, leaving the victim seriously injured.
3 outlets · Bush fire in Awarua causes road closures in Far North
A scrub fire covering approximately 2 hectares has broken out in Awarua. Firefighters and police are managing the scene, and a section of State Highway 15 has been closed. Travellers are being asked to avoid the area while crews work to contain the blaze.
2 outlets · Contractors work overnight at Hamilton Airport to install equipment
Workers have been installing screening machines at Hamilton Airport to prepare for upcoming international services. Part of the terminal roof was removed to facilitate the placement of equipment into a new departure hall. Jetstar is scheduled to begin flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast in June.
2 outlets · Alfriston College students safe after lockdown following gun scare reports
Alfriston College in South Auckland was placed into lockdown on Friday following reports of a gun scare. Police attended the school but have since confirmed there was no emergency incident and have left the scene. All students and staff were reported safe after being secured in classrooms.
2 outlets · Flaxrock Gym in Flaxmere to close in April
The Hastings District Council intends to close the Flaxrock Gym in Flaxmere on 4 April. The closure is part of a wider review of council expenditure. Local residents have responded to the decision by starting a petition.
3 outlets · NZ First introduces bill to remove public service diversity requirements
Winston Peters has introduced the Public Service (Repeal of Diversity and Inclusiveness Requirements) Amendment Bill. The Member’s Bill aims to eliminate diversity targets and inclusiveness requirements from government hiring practices. Peters stated the legislation seeks to replace these measures with a focus on meritocracy.
2 outlets · Woodchopper Jack Jordan prepares for New Zealand Rural Games
King Country woodchopper Jack Jordan is preparing to compete in the New Zealand Rural Games. The three-time Timbersports World Trophy winner is aiming to secure a spot at the World Championship Individual competition. This event features six different wood-chopping and sawing disciplines.
2 outlets · Two men appear in court after being caught by police dogs
Two men are facing the Taihape District Court following separate incidents in Taihape on Thursday. The Whanganui police dog unit tracked down the suspects after police received reports of a person making threats with a weapon.
2 outlets · Man arrested in Hamilton CBD with methamphetamine and knife
A 47-year-old man faces drug and weapon charges after police were alerted to suspicious behaviour on Worley Place. During the arrest, officers recovered approximately 6.5 grams of methamphetamine, a large knife, and about $3,200 in cash.
2 outlets · Drivers involved in fatal Auckland hit-and-run have not come forward
Police say the drivers of three vehicles involved in a fatal hit-and-run have not yet been identified. Joshua Love was struck by the vehicles on Auckland's State Highway 20 near Mt Roskill in the early hours of 7 February. It has been one month since the incident occurred.
2 outlets · Kereama Rewita named after name suppression lifted in Hastings murder case
Kereama Rewita, 28, has appeared in the High Court at Napier following the lifting of interim name suppression. He is accused of murdering 33-year-old Keith Pati in Hastings in January. Pati died at Hawke’s Bay Hospital on 16 February.
3 outlets · Phil Goff removed as High Commissioner following comments about Donald Trump
Phil Goff has been dismissed from his role as High Commissioner to the UK after questioning Donald Trump's understanding of history. Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed regret over the decision, though legal experts suggest the dismissal was justified.
2 outlets · Hutt Valley principal criticises government free lunch allocation system
Maidstone Intermediate principal Wikus Swanepoel says many of his students lack nutritious food at home. He criticised the government lunch scheme, noting that his school does not qualify for the programme despite some pupils being in need.
2 outlets · Rotorua Lakes Council seeks feedback on night market and sewerage funding
Rotorua Lakes Council is consulting the public on its next annual plan. Key issues include whether the Rotorua Night Market should relocate to reduce costs and if ratepayers should subsidise a sewerage scheme for Tarawera homeowners.
4 outlets · Ellerslie prepares for inaugural $8.2 million Champions Day
Ellerslie racing boss Paul Wilcox says the upcoming Champions Day is inspired by Sydney's The Everest. The event features the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi race. Approximately 12,000 people are expected to attend the racing programme at the Ellerslie grounds.
2 outlets ·
