Teenager faces new sexual offending charges after Christchurch park assault
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with serious violent sexual offending following an assault at Richmond Village Green in February. The victim was left in critical condition after being found seriously injured at the park. The teenager was previously charged with wounding with intent, assault, and theft.
+26 outlets · Man found critically injured in Miramar dies in hospital
A man found unconscious on a footpath in Miramar, Wellington, early Monday morning has died in hospital. Police have launched an unexplained death investigation and are checking for links to a nearby home invasion that occurred shortly before the man was discovered.
+26 outlets · Japanese man named after death on State Highway 6 near Gibbston
Police have identified 22-year-old Ryoma Seki as the man found dead near the Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve on 3 March. Investigations suggest Mr Seki fell from a cliff before being struck by a vehicle. No charges will be filed regarding the incident.
+15 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man killed by train in Invercargill
An adult male was fatally struck by a freight train at a pedestrian crossing near Elles Road on Monday afternoon. Police are currently working to identify the man and have appealed for public assistance. The rail crossing reopened around midnight following a scene examination.
+26 outlets · Seven people appear in court over Auckland Pride protest
Seven people linked to Destiny Church appeared in court following a February protest at Te Atatū Library. The group is accused of disrupting a children's Pride event, during which approximately 30 people were barricaded inside. While one teenager was granted interim name suppression, others lost their bids but may appeal.
4 outlets · Police investigate gang-related shooting at Frasertown Tavern
Police are investigating a gang-related shooting at the Frasertown Tavern north of Wairoa on Saturday night. At least two or three shots were fired, hitting the building and a parked vehicle. Officers are now seeking information regarding a white hatchback seen in the area.
4 outlets · Man dies in single-vehicle crash in Browns Bay
A male driver has died following a single-vehicle crash on Beach Road in Browns Bay on Tuesday night. The incident occurred near the intersection with Browns Bay Road at approximately 7:50pm. The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination to investigate the crash.
4 outlets · School lunch provider Libelle Group enters liquidation owing $14 million
Libelle Group, a major provider for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme, has entered liquidation owing more than $14 million to nearly 250 creditors. The company was contracted by Compass to deliver 125,000 daily meals. Following the collapse, Compass has agreed to purchase the business.
4 outlets · Takeovers Panel investigating Jim Grenon's attempt to change NZME board
The Takeovers Panel is investigating whether shareholders are acting in concert to remove the NZME board. This follows billionaire Jim Grenon's purchase of a 9.3 per cent stake in the media company for over $9 million. The regulator is currently considering the matter.
+15 outlets · Christopher Luxon advocates for direct flights between New Zealand and India
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the time is right to revisit direct air routes between New Zealand and India due to growing demand. While India has announced the start of free trade negotiations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also alleged that anti-India and illegal terrorist activities are present in New Zealand.
3 outlets · Some parts of NZ could see 20% more rainfall by century's end
New research from NIWA suggests atmospheric rivers could become twice as frequent by the end of the century. These moisture filaments may deliver a much larger proportion of New Zealand's total annual rainfall, with some areas potentially experiencing 20% more precipitation.
3 outlets · Additional charges laid against Auckland funeral director over Waikumete Cemetery burials
An Auckland funeral director faces two new charges following an investigation into the alleged mishandling of burials at Waikumete Cemetery. The man was initially arrested on Friday and faces charges related to a second complaint. The ongoing investigation, known as Operation Lola, follows reports of inappropriate handling of remains.
3 outlets · State Highway 3 closed in Onaero after serious two-vehicle crash
State Highway 3 was closed east of Waitara on Tuesday afternoon following a serious crash involving two vehicles. Emergency services were called to the scene near the Ohanga Road intersection at 1.50pm. The serious crash unit is investigating the incident.
3 outlets · Former financial adviser charged for allegedly breaching stop order
The Financial Markets Authority has filed criminal charges against former Auckland investment adviser David McEwen. He is alleged to have breached a permanent stop order issued in December 2023 that prevented him from contacting potential investors. McEwen entered a not-guilty plea via court, though he did not attend in person.
3 outlets · Prisoner on hunger strike alleges assault by guards at Spring Hill
Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua, is on day eight of a hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility. His lawyers say the protest follows an alleged beating by multiple prison guards on 6 March. Wickliffe was taken into custody on 5 March for not residing at his approved address.
4 outlets · Two men charged after January shooting in Highland Park
Two men have been arrested and charged following a shooting at a bar in Highland Park on 16 January. During the incident on Dunrobin Place, three males entered a property and assaulted a man before a gun was fired. One man was left in critical condition.
3 outlets · Person seriously injured in Christchurch workplace accident
A person was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident at VIP Metalworks in Bromley on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the Wickham Street site shortly after 9.30am. Hato Hone St John responded to the scene with an ambulance and a rapid response unit.
4 outlets · Dunedin doctor returns to practice after previous registration cancellation
Dr Salil Elias has resumed medical practice less than two years after his registration was cancelled. The Dunedin GP previously admitted to having a sexual relationship with a drug-dependent patient in his consultation room and prescribing her opioids. He had initially lied to the Medical Council before DNA evidence confirmed the affair.
4 outlets · ACT Party seeks candidates for upcoming local body elections
ACT leader David Seymour has announced the party intends to stand candidates in local council elections for the first time. The party is looking for practical, community-minded individuals to run under its banner. However, Seymour stated the party will not be challenging for mayoral seats.
3 outlets · High Court reserves decision on Whangārei water fluoridation
A High Court judge has reserved a decision regarding Whangārei District Council's application for interim relief. The council sought to stall the start-up of water fluoridation, which was scheduled to begin tomorrow. Mayor Vince Cocurullo said he will wait for the court's ruling before providing further comment.
2 outlets · Pakistan allrounder fined for collision during T20 in Christchurch
Khushdil Shah has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees and received three demerit points for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The penalty follows an incident where the Pakistan allrounder ran into Black Caps bowler Zak Foulkes during the first T20 international in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Resource consent declined for Southland wind farm project
An independent panel has declined resource consent for Contact Energy's proposed 55-turbine wind farm at Slopedown, near Wyndham. The decision was made due to the potential impact on local flora and fauna. Contact Energy had previously stated the project was intended to support New Zealand's energy security.
2 outlets · Far North farmer calls for wild dogs to be classed as pests
John Nilsson of Shenstone Farms, located south of Cape Reinga, is seeking to have wild dogs officially labelled as pests. After losing sheep to packs of large dogs, the farmer argues this classification would allow for more freedom to eradicate the animals.
2 outlets · Sinead Boucher increases shareholding in Stuff Digital to one million shares
Stuff Group owner and CEO Sinead Boucher has changed her shareholding in Stuff Digital. Company records show she moved from owning a single share to being the sole holder of one million shares. The change in the number of shares was effective from early February.
2 outlets · Five teenagers arrested after Whangārei petrol station robberies
Five teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were arrested following an aggravated robbery and attempted burglary at two Whangārei service stations on Tuesday morning. Police say cash, cigarettes, and vapes were stolen during the incidents on Tarewa Road and Kiripaka Road. The suspects are due to appear in Whangārei Youth Court.
3 outlets · Petition seeks removal of John Middleditch sculpture from University of Otago
An Otago student has launched a petition to remove a bronze sculpture by Dunedin artist John Middleditch from the university campus. The 1969 artwork, titled Eleven Bronze Rods supporting Albatross Wingspan, is currently on public display in Dunedin.
2 outlets · Opposition to Auckland Council plan for new cemetery land
Auckland Council intends to compulsorily acquire 172 hectares of private land near Waimauku to establish a new cemetery. The proposal faces resistance from the landowner and local hapū, as the Waikūmete Cemetery in Glen Eden has reached full capacity.
2 outlets · New Zealanders urged to leave charitable bequests in wills
A report from financial advisors JBWere suggests New Zealand ranks low internationally for charitable giving through wills. As a significant intergenerational wealth transfer begins, baby boomers are being encouraged to leave assets to charity.
3 outlets · Nick Mills settles tax debt with Inland Revenue
Wellington restaurateur and radio host Nick Mills has reached a payment arrangement with Inland Revenue. This agreement prevents the liquidation of his hospitality businesses following High Court proceedings. Mills described the period as having been difficult for him and his family.
2 outlets · Christchurch mother reported missing in Switzerland is safe
Samantha Hawley, a Christchurch mother who had been missing in Switzerland since March 11, has made contact with her family. Police say she appears to be safe after posting a message online.
3 outlets · Christchurch man claims $5.5 million Powerball prize
An anonymous Christchurch man has claimed a $5.5 million Powerball First Division prize from Saturday's draw. He described feeling a sense of panic before confirming the win with a Lotto operator. A second winning ticket purchased in Dunedin remains unclaimed.
3 outlets · Cleanup of historic Milford Sound landfill to begin in April
Work will commence in April to clear the Upper Cleddau Flats landfill, known as Little Tahiti, located 2.5km south of Milford Sound Piopiotahi. The Department of Conservation says the 8,200 square metre site contains asbestos and poses potential risks to human health and the environment.
2 outlets · University of Otago blames students for burned wallaby in Dunedin
A charred wallaby was found in a couch fire during St Patrick's Day celebrations in Dunedin's student quarter. The University of Otago attributed the incident to student interlopers, while police are investigating and believe the animal had been dead for some time before being burned.
2 outlets · Copper network outage affects parts of Western Bay of Plenty
A Chorus copper network outage has impacted 119 customers across rural Whakamarama and central Tauranga. Most affected areas are rural, while fibre connections remain unaffected. The outage is expected to last until Wednesday morning.
2 outlets · Man accused of sexual assault in Dunedin appears in court
A 36-year-old man appeared in Dunedin District Court facing five charges, including burglary, strangulation, and three counts of violating a woman. The alleged incident occurred at a North Dunedin flat near the University of Otago in February. The defendant remains in custody without entering a plea.
2 outlets · Police seek man wanted for Ōtorohanga business burglaries
Police have issued an arrest warrant for 35-year-old Teina Repia. He is wanted in connection with several burglaries at commercial premises in Ōtorohanga occurring over the last two months.
3 outlets · Winston Peters meets US officials in Washington
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Washington for meetings with top American officials, including Marco Rubio. He stated that initial conversations have focused on what the new US administration expects from New Zealand.
2 outlets · Scott Robertson backs NZ Rugby policy on overseas player eligibility
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has changed his position regarding player eligibility. He now supports New Zealand Rugby's policy of not selecting players based overseas, reversing previous comments he made last November regarding the stance.
2 outlets · Experts concerned by rising Covid-19 infections in New Zealand hospitals
Experts are warning that too many people are contracting Covid-19 within healthcare settings as infection prevention precautions are rolled back. There are calls to increase reporting requirements for hospital-onset infections and to implement long-term measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses.
2 outlets · Christchurch school principal expresses disappointment after minister refuses lunch contract exit
The principal of Haeata Community Campus in Wainoni says it is disheartening that Associate Education Minister David Seymour refused to let the school exit its lunch programme contract. The school seeks to end its arrangement with Compass Group following several weeks of unsatisfactory service under the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme.
2 outlets · Doctors warn training plans will increase pressure on general practice
Health Minister Simeon Brown has allocated $47 million over four years to support general practices in training 50 medical graduates and up to 100 overseas doctors annually. However, doctors are warning that this increased responsibility for on-the-job training will place additional pressure on primary care services.
2 outlets · Cold temperatures and rain forecast across much of New Zealand
MetService has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, and chilly temperatures for much of the country. In Christchurch, temperatures are expected to drop by at least 15C, with the daily high potentially occurring as early as 4am.
2 outlets · Man faces charges for covertly filming women and girls
A man has admitted to 42 charges involving the covert filming of 23 women and girls over nearly a decade. The offences included filming in bathrooms and accessing phones to steal intimate images and conversations.
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