Dozens of school canteens close following Libelle Group liquidation
Dozens of schools across New Zealand are losing their tuckshops and canteens after food provider Libelle Group went into liquidation on Tuesday. Affected sites include Rongotai College, Wellington College, Kerikeri High School, and a West Auckland intermediate school. Principals are advising parents to pack lunches while liquidators and contractors work to manage the situation.
+26 outlets · Christchurch man sentenced to 23 years for sexual offending
John Hope Muchirahondo has been jailed for 23 years following his conviction for 17 counts of rape and sexual assault. Between 2011 and 2021, Muchirahondo targeted nine women, some of whom he knew socially or as partners. He continues to maintain his innocence.
+48 outlets · Businessman Aaron Coupe jailed for causing millions in losses
Aaron Coupe has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison for breaching company management bans. His actions caused millions of dollars in losses to banks, creditors, and business partners globally. His identity was revealed after he abandoned an appeal for permanent name suppression.
+37 outlets · Hurricanes defeat Highlanders by two points in Dunedin
The Hurricanes secured a 20-18 victory over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Despite a solo try from Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau, the Hurricanes held on through a strong defensive performance. A last-second dropped goal attempt by Sam Gilbert missed, sealing the win for the visitors.
4 outlets · Coroner rules Gloriavale man's death was an accident
The death of 20-year-old Sincere Standtrue was caused by an accidental black-out, a coroner has found. Standtrue was found unresponsive at a Gloriavale paint shop in October 2018. The coroner noted that brain damage from exposure to workplace solvents hindered his ability to recover.
+48 outlets · Second arrest made in Waikumete Cemetery burial investigation
Police have arrested a second funeral director as part of Operation Lola. The investigation is examining complaints regarding the inappropriate handling of burials after bodies were disinterred during the 2023 flooding. The arrested individual faces charges including obtaining money by deception.
4 outlets · Three more arrested after Destiny Church-linked protest in Auckland
Police have arrested three more men as part of an investigation into a protest at the Te Atatū Community Centre on 15 February. The incident occurred during an Auckland Pride Festival children's event. These arrests follow four previous arrests made on Wednesday.
4 outlets · Scott Watson parole hearing abandoned due to time constraints
The Parole Board has abandoned Scott Watson's parole hearing after the proceedings ran out of time on Wednesday. A new two-day hearing will be scheduled because the board chairman is retiring at the end of March. Watson was convicted of the 1998 murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope.
+37 outlets · Compass Group NZ to acquire Libelle Group assets
Compass Group New Zealand has agreed to buy the relevant assets of Libelle Group following its liquidation this week. The acquisition aims to provide continuity for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme. The arrangement is currently subject to customary and regulatory approvals.
4 outlets · Wellington mayor says Prime Minister is not a nice person
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau stated she does not think Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is a nice person. This follows Luxon describing the Wellington region's councils as "lame-o" for failing to submit a proposal for a regional deal with the Government.
4 outlets · Government seeks international input for second Auckland harbour crossing
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has invited international investors to provide input on a second Waitematā Harbour crossing. Geotechnical and environmental investigations are set to begin shortly to help decide between a bridge or a tunnel. The government aims to select a preferred option by mid-2025.
3 outlets · Government rejected health advice to lower bowel cancer screening age
Health officials advised that lowering the bowel cancer screening age for Māori and Pasifika people could save more lives. However, Health Minister Simeon Brown opted for a universal screening age instead. The government plans to use targeted campaigns to increase screening rates among Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities.
4 outlets · Hunters donate venison to Southland foodbanks through new charity
The We Hunt Food Trust is delivering free venison to foodbanks in Southland. This initiative, part of a Fiordland Wapiti Foundation project, allows hunters to gift their harvested meat along with cooking recipes for families in need.
3 outlets · Southland farmer fined $130,000 for killing thousands of eels
Bryson Clark was fined $130,000 in the Gore District Court after discharging farm effluent and leachate into the Low Burn Stream. The contamination caused the deaths of thousands of eels in a tributary of the Mataura River. Environment Southland says the ecological damage could take up to 10 years to recover.
3 outlets · Schools receive frozen meals through government lunch programme
Students at Massey Primary School in Auckland and schools in Christchurch were delivered frozen food items, including cheese scrolls and pizza rolls, on Friday. At Te Aratai College, meals remained inedible by lunchtime. Massey Primary School is now considering leaving the government's lunch programme.
3 outlets · Eight Tauranga liquor stores caught selling alcohol to minors
Eight stores in Tauranga were found selling alcohol to under-18s without verifying age or requesting ID. The findings occurred during a controlled purchase operation involving 34 off-license premises on March 9.
3 outlets · Gisborne school lunch provider Puku Ora owes $600,000 in tax arrears
Gisborne-based company Puku Ora went into liquidation at the end of January owing more than $600,000 to Inland Revenue. The provider previously served 2,800 daily meals to 10 schools. Co-founder Amy Wray stated the business struggled to continue after its school lunch contract was halved.
3 outlets · Muslim community warns of increased mass shooting risk if gun laws change
Members of the Muslim community fear more mass shootings if firearms restrictions are rolled back. This comes six years after a terrorist attack at Christchurch mosques. The warning follows indications that the Government may liberalise access to certain types of weapons.
4 outlets · Final Homegrown music festival begins on Wellington waterfront
The Homegrown music festival starts tonight for its final event in Wellington. The two-day festival features 50 acts across five stages, including a performance by Shihad on Saturday. Organisers are currently seeking a new venue for the 2026 festival.
4 outlets · Driver dies after crashing into building in Howick
A driver has died after their vehicle collided with a building in Howick, Auckland. The incident occurred near the intersection of Cook and Picton streets just before 6.30pm on Friday. Police confirmed the death of the sole occupant of the vehicle.
2 outlets · South Wairarapa councillor proposes exiting Meta platforms
Councillor Rebecca Gray is calling for the South Wairarapa District Council to stop using Facebook and Instagram. Citing Meta's ethical track record, Gray expressed concerns regarding increasing harm to specific communities on the platforms.
4 outlets · Fireball captured on camera over Bay of Plenty
A bright fireball was recorded by security cameras near Ōpōtiki shortly before 11pm on Wednesday. Following the sighting, meteorite hunters believe a space rock may have landed in Hawke’s Bay. Local residents are being urged to share any footage that could assist in the search.
2 outlets · Chicking opens first South Island outlet in Sydenham
Halal fast-food chain Chicking has opened its 16th New Zealand store at 303 Colombo Street in Sydenham. The new Christchurch location has seen high demand since opening a week ago.
2 outlets · KiwiRail failed to follow recommendation after Matamata student train death
Thirteen-year-old Sarie Morton was killed by a northbound freight train on Firth St on Wednesday. KiwiRail reportedly failed to implement a decade-old Coroner's recommendation to fence off the area following a similar fatality in 2012.
+37 outlets · Homegrown music festival begins final event in Wellington
Thousands of people gathered at the Wellington waterfront on Friday for the opening night of the final Homegrown festival. Performers including Stan Walker, Ché Fu, and Synthony took the stage during the sunny event.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon to join world leaders regarding Ukraine peacekeeping call
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will participate in a phone call with international leaders to discuss the potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine. Arranged by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the discussion will include leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Australia to review diplomatic efforts for peace.
2 outlets · Man jailed after $50,000 Hastings burglary and police pursuit
Hendrix Haerewa, 46, has been sentenced to five years and one month in prison. Following a $50,000 safe robbery in Hastings, Haerewa led police on an 18-minute chase involving a loaded shotgun and rammed two police vehicles. The pursuit resulted in local school lockdowns before his arrest.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand prank causes stir at Queenstown Airport
Air New Zealand made a joke by announcing a final call for a 'Mr B Pitt' at Queenstown Airport on Thursday morning. The announcement caused excitement among passengers due to actor Brad Pitt filming in the region, but the airline confirmed it was simply having fun.
2 outlets · Labour leads National in latest political poll
The latest Anacta Poll shows Labour at 34% support, while National has dropped to 31%. This represents the largest gap between the two parties since the election. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that voters will be able to judge his record next year.
2 outlets · Fire crews respond to vegetation fire on State Highway 1
Fire and Emergency crews are attending a scrub and tree fire on the Brynderwyn Hills south of Whangārei. The blaze is located beside the northbound lane of State Highway 1. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area while four trucks and a helicopter respond to the scene.
2 outlets · Man charged after email threat caused Waiuku College lockdown
A 20-year-old man has appeared in court following an email threat that forced Waiuku College into lockdown on Wednesday. Police also responded to reports of two small fires at the school on Friday morning. Investigations into the fires are currently in the early stages.
2 outlets · Two arrested after high-speed police chase in Auckland
Two people were arrested early Friday morning following a high-speed chase through Auckland. The police Eagle helicopter spotted a vehicle with a broken window on Mount Albert Road, leading to the pursuit. A 17-year-old faces multiple charges in the Auckland Youth Court.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council rejects proposal to extend Mount Hot Pools hours
Tauranga City Council has decided to maintain the current 7am opening time for Mount Hot Pools. The decision follows a petition from a Mount Maunganui couple who sought earlier hours to better serve the community. The proposal had gathered 127 signatures before being rejected at a City Delivery Committee meeting.
3 outlets · Wellington Water Committee meets following contractor payment concerns
The full Wellington Water Committee is meeting on Friday for the first time since reports emerged regarding payments to consultants and contractors. While some have called for chairperson Nick Leggett to resign, the acting chair stated that reviewing five years of contract costs would distract from addressing infrastructure issues.
2 outlets · NZ-led task force seizes drugs worth $375 million in Middle East
A multi-national maritime task force led by the New Zealand Defence Force has intercepted a dhow in the north Arabian Sea. A boarding team from the HMS Lancaster seized 318kg of heroin and 83kg of methamphetamine. The drugs have an estimated street value of NZ$375 million.
2 outlets · Significant price gap between Christchurch's cheapest and most expensive streets
A $3 million difference exists between the most and least expensive addresses in Christchurch. Queens Avenue in Merivale features large homes near Hagley Park, while Buckleys Road in Linwood serves as the city's cheapest street.
2 outlets · Southland woman reunited with cat after four year search
Torria Cummings from Winton has been reunited with her cat, Ceasar, following a four-year search. The pet went missing when Cummings moved to a new house. The reunion was marked by the cat performing a trademark high-five.
2 outlets · Former luxury dog hotel in Wellington hills is for sale
A castle located at 430 Hawkins Hill in Brooklyn has been put on the market. The property, which previously operated as the Woofingtons dog stay business, was originally an underground radar bunker built in the 1970s.
2 outlets · Woolworths proposes restructuring of store operating models
Woolworths New Zealand is proposing changes to its store operating models to focus more on customer service. While the company says overall staff numbers will remain the same, union representatives and employees expressed concerns regarding potential pay and hour reductions for some staff.
2 outlets · Milford Sound landslide risk could exceed Whakaari disaster impact
Researchers suggest a landslide at Milford Sound could cause more fatalities than the 2019 Whakaari/White Island volcanic explosion. Tim Davies from the University of Canterbury states the statistical risk to tourists at Milford Sound is significantly higher than international risk acceptability criteria.
2 outlets · Hamilton teenager sentenced after series of dairy and liquor store robberies
Solo Turner, 19, was unable to avoid imprisonment following a spree of violent robberies in Hamilton. The offences included attacking a storekeeper with a hammer at various dairies and a liquor store. His lawyer suggested the teenager was driven by instinct due to his poverty.
3 outlets · Significant delays on State Highway 1 near Wellington after roadworks
Commuters faced major delays on State Highway 1 between Wellington and Porirua on Friday morning. NZTA reported that roadworks at the Glenside on-ramp ran over time due to unforeseen circumstances. A southbound lane remained blocked until 7am, causing traffic to back up.
2 outlets · South Island regions lead New Zealand economic growth
The South Island is outpacing the rest of the country in economic growth, according to ASB Bank's regional scoreboard. Otago currently holds the top position, driven by increases in tourism, construction, retail spending, and commodity prices. Meanwhile, Auckland and Wellington have fallen into the bottom half of the rankings.
2 outlets · State Highway 1 Desert Road reopens after two-month closure
Major roadworks between Tūrangi and Waiouru have been completed, allowing State Highway 1 to reopen this Friday afternoon. While the closure cost approximately $100,000 daily in detour expenses for trucks, some Ohakune businesses reported record sales during the period.
2 outlets · Surgeon criticises government response to bowel cancer prevention
Professor Frank Frizelle has condemned the government's handling of bowel cancer prevention, stating thousands of deaths could have been avoided if national screening had started sooner. Meanwhile, Health Minister Simeon Brown has lowered the bowel cancer screening age to 58 for all New Zealanders.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon travels to India to strengthen trade ties
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is travelling to India with a large delegation to pursue economic and strategic opportunities. The visit follows previous discussions between Luxon and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister aims to advance trade relations despite long-standing challenges in finalising a free trade agreement.
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