Two teachers assaulted by student with scissors at Christchurch school
Two teachers were assaulted with scissors by a student at Haeata Community Campus in Aranui on Wednesday afternoon. The principal confirmed the student has been suspended and police are investigating the incident. The teachers are recovering following the attack.
+26 outlets · Second man dies after Melville incident in Hamilton
A man who was found in critical condition following a Saturday morning incident in Melville has died in hospital. A 26-year-old man was also found dead at the Beatty Street scene. A 41-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder and wounding.
+15 outlets · Winston Peters meets US Secretary of State to discuss tariffs
Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC to seek exemptions from proposed agricultural tariffs. Peters described the meeting as substantive and productive, expressing confidence in the ongoing relationship between New Zealand and the United States.
+15 outlets · Former Christchurch nurse sentenced for ill-treating vulnerable patient
Peter Ogden, 54, has been sentenced to 12 months’ home detention after pleading guilty to ill-treating a vulnerable adult. The former nurse engaged in a sexual relationship with a disabled mental health patient at a Christchurch facility between 2021 and 2022. The patient described being manipulated and groomed during the relationship.
+26 outlets · Three arrested over fatal Stokes Valley arson
Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of 82-year-old Ian David Moller. Mr Moller died in November last year after being critically injured in a fire at a Hanson Grove block of flats in Stokes Valley.
+26 outlets · National median weekly rent has risen 25 per cent since Covid
New Zealand's national median weekly rent has increased from $510 to $640 since the first pandemic lockdown in March 2020. Trade Me data shows Wellington is the most expensive main centre to rent in, with an average weekly rent of $665.
4 outlets · Man charged after allegedly stealing Pokémon cards in Taupō
A 35-year-old man faces burglary and shoplifting charges after allegedly stealing more than $2200 worth of Pokémon cards from a Taupō store on Tuesday night. Police were assisted by a witness who recorded video of the suspect. The man is also accused of resisting police during the incident.
+15 outlets · Dog rescued after yacht sinks in Cass Bay during storm
A 12.5m yacht sank on its moorings in Cass Bay during a storm. A blue heeler dog named Buddy was rescued from the vessel and returned to his owner. Environment Canterbury reported no significant oil or fluid loss from the sinking yacht.
4 outlets · Man dies after being found unresponsive in Miramar
A man who was found unresponsive on a Miramar footpath on Sunday has died in hospital. Local residents reported hearing car alarms during the night. Police are investigating the death and whether it is connected to a break-in at a nearby home.
4 outlets · Tauranga teenager becomes youngest person to break four-minute mile
Fifteen-year-old Sam Ruthe became the youngest runner in history to break the four-minute mile barrier. The Tauranga teenager recorded a time of 3m 58.35s at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium. He was paced during the performance by training partner and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner.
3 outlets · Four women escape after car stalls on Hamilton railway crossing
Four women managed to flee their vehicle after it stalled on the Grey St level crossing in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon. A KiwiRail freight train clipped the car after the driver applied brakes but could not stop in time. Police reported no serious injuries following the incident.
4 outlets · Dean Wickliffe reportedly loses 17kg during prison hunger strike
The 77-year-old prisoner has been on a hunger strike for nine days at Springhill Prison, claiming he will not eat until released. His lawyer says he has lost 17kg and faces risks of organ failure. Wickliffe alleges he was beaten by guards following a parole breach arrest.
3 outlets · Six injured in four-vehicle crash on State Highway 2
Six people were injured following a four-vehicle collision near Francis Road in Whakamārama on Wednesday afternoon. One person is in moderate to serious condition, while five others sustained minor to moderate injuries. State Highway 2 was closed near the scene for diversions.
3 outlets · Nelson commercial fisher fined $34,000 for electronic monitoring breaches
Campbell David McManaway has been fined $34,000 for failing to operate a geospatial position reporting device while fishing off the Otago coast. A judge criticised the Nelson fisherman for his cavalier approach after he continued fishing despite warnings from a fishery officer to fix the equipment.
3 outlets · Waka Kotahi delays automatic speed limit increases on state highways
Waka Kotahi is pausing plans to revert speed limits on 16 state highway sections from Northland to Canterbury. These urban connector sections were scheduled to return to higher speeds by July 2025, but will now undergo formal reviews following community feedback.
3 outlets · Former Warriors player Wairangi Koopu named in drug charges
Name suppression has lapsed for former Warriors player and television personality Wairangi Koopu. He faces charges in the Hamilton High Court including cocaine possession for supply, conspiracy to deal with a Class A drug, and participating in an organised criminal group. A trial is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
3 outlets · Western Bay of Plenty District Council leaves Local Government New Zealand
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has voted to resign from the national advocacy body Local Government New Zealand. The decision passed with a six-to-five majority following claims that the organisation had become unprofessional and political. Other councils, including Auckland and Christchurch City, have previously left the group.
+15 outlets · Three men charged with kidnapping at Christchurch homicide scene
Three men have been charged with kidnapping a resident at a Christchurch social housing complex. The men, who claimed to be cousins of homicide victim Tyrone Munns, were involved at the site where Munns was found dead. Police are continuing to investigate the death of Mr Munns.
2 outlets · Department of Conservation urges action after nine kiwi deaths in Northland
Nine kiwi have been found dead in Northland since January, including six in the Wharengaere Bay area since mid-February. The Department of Conservation is calling for urgent action and increased responsibility from dog owners and relevant organisations following the deaths.
2 outlets · Former lawyer seeks practising certificate after three year suspension
James Gardner-Hopkins, a former Russell McVeagh partner, is applying for a new practising certificate. He was previously suspended for three years following findings of six counts of misconduct involving sexually inappropriate behaviour towards law students.
2 outlets · Auditors flag errors in West Coast Regional Council rates and valuations
The West Coast Regional Council has received a warning from auditors regarding mistakes in setting rates. The council also uses a best-guess system for valuing assets and made errors applying valuations across rating districts in 2023.
2 outlets · Blobfish named New Zealand fish of the year
The blobfish has been voted New Zealand’s 2025 Fish of the Year, defeating the orange roughy by nearly 300 votes. Previously labelled the world's ugliest animal, the pink creature secured the title after receiving 1,286 votes.
2 outlets · Man missing after Taupō area car crash found safe
A man who had been missing for over two weeks has been found safe. Police believed he was involved in a vehicle crash on SH32 near Waimanoa Road on 12 March. His last confirmed sighting was in Turangi on 28 February.
2 outlets · Samoa to decide future of sunken HMNZS Manawanui wreck
The Samoan government is set to determine the fate of the HMNZS Manawanui, which sank off the south coast of Upolu more than five months ago. Following the incident, the 'No Fish' notice for nine villages has been lifted.
3 outlets · Father of deceased Otago student fears further student deaths
Bede Crestani, whose daughter Sophia died at an overcrowded house party in 2019, has expressed concern that another student death is inevitable. This follows reports from Dunedin police regarding disruptive St Patrick's Day behaviour, including drinking from early morning and incidents involving flying bottles.
+26 outlets · Swarbrick seeks cross-party support for Israel sanctions bill
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick is calling for support for her member's bill to impose sanctions against Israel. Swarbrick stated that the bill requires only six government MPs to pass Parliament, noting that the need for action has increased following airstrikes in Gaza.
2 outlets · Trial begins for alleged prison-ordered murder of 75-year-old man
Lasalosi Vaitohi, Ethan Jessop, and Daziea Leslie Huia are appearing in Auckland High Court for the 2021 murder of Peter Rasmussen. The Crown alleges Vaitohi ordered the hit from prison, Jessop carried out the shooting, and Huia assisted by organising a getaway vehicle.
2 outlets · Three young people arrested after Rangiora commercial burglaries
Three youths are in custody following a series of commercial burglaries in Rangiora early Wednesday morning. Police arrested the group after a stolen vehicle was found crashed following the activation of fog cannons at three stores. The suspects face charges including burglary and failing to stop for police.
2 outlets · Two men arrested after attempting to evade police in Ōrewa
Two men, aged 35 and 40, have been charged with burglary following an incident at a Birkenhead retail store early Tuesday morning. The suspects allegedly attempted to evade police near Ōrewa by switching off their vehicle's headlights, which drew the attention of a patrol unit.
2 outlets · Man sentenced to life imprisonment for Mt Roskill bar murder
Christopher Tean Salt has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Tofimua Matagi. The attack occurred in August 2023 at a Mt Roskill bar after Salt punched and stomped on his darts opponent. Salt was also found to have robbed the victim while he lay unconscious.
2 outlets · Man killed in Omakau crash identified by police
Police have named Callum Sean Russell Pattison, 25, as the man who died in a single-vehicle crash on Glassford Road near Omakau. The incident occurred on 21 February. Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances of the crash.
2 outlets · Kmart recalls Anko glass pickle jars due to explosion risk
Kmart is recalling Anko branded glass flip-pickle jars sold nationwide between February 2023 and March 2025. Authorities say the jars may break or explode when storing certain liquids, fruits, or vegetables, and injuries have been reported. Customers are advised to stop using the product and return it for a refund.
2 outlets · Police search for missing 16-year-old from Belmont
Police and family are concerned for the wellbeing of 16-year-old Ryan, who went missing from his Belmont home on Auckland's North Shore. He was last seen wearing his school uniform after leaving home between 1:30am and 7am on Wednesday. Authorities are asking the public for any information that may help locate him.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay bar owners oppose proposed earlier closing times
Hastings and Napier councils are reviewing local alcohol policies, proposing that bars, pubs, and nightclubs close at 2am instead of 3am. A long-term publican has described the plan as crazy. Local mayors are currently encouraging the public to provide feedback on the proposal.
2 outlets · Accused woman to undergo mental health reassessment in suitcase murder case
Hakyung Lee is to be reassessed for her fitness to stand trial regarding the alleged murder of her two children. The bodies of Yuna Jo and Minu Jo were discovered in suitcases within an Auckland storage unit in 2022.
2 outlets · Butter prices rose 60 per cent in February
The price of butter increased by 60 per cent in February compared to the previous year, according to Stats NZ. The average cost reached $7.32 per 500g block, up from less than $4.50 at the beginning of last year.
3 outlets · Wellington community Facebook page Vic Deals listed for sale
The Vic Deals Facebook group, which has over 247,000 members, has been listed for sale on Trade Me. Current owners Charlie and Michael Ward are selling the platform, with Charlie Ward noting he can no longer provide sufficient attention to the page after moving to the South Island.
3 outlets · Hipkins accuses Luxon of undermining New Zealand's nuclear-free policy
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of compromising New Zealand's long-held foreign policy during a trip to India. Hipkins claims Luxon's apparent endorsement of India's bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group may be an attempt to secure a free trade agreement.
3 outlets · West Coast most at risk of extreme atmospheric rivers
New research from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research suggests the West Coast of the South Island faces the highest risk of extreme atmospheric rivers. The study indicates that these phenomena could double across New Zealand by the end of the century.
2 outlets · Breaking up major supermarket entities could increase competition and lower prices
Experts suggest the government could reintroduce competition in New Zealand's concentrated supermarket sector by breaking up major entities. This approach is proposed as a faster alternative to waiting for international brands to enter the market, following comments from Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon plays street cricket with children in India
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined underprivileged children for a game of street cricket in New Delhi. He was accompanied by former Black Cap Ross Taylor, Ajaz Patel, and Kapil Dev. The match took place on a cordoned-off road using brick towers as wickets.
2 outlets · TVNZ expects to save nearly $9 million through job cuts
TVNZ expects to save $5.6 million from 48.5 full-time roles cut late last year and $3.3 million by not filling vacant positions. Data released under the Official Information Act shows the state-owned broadcaster is working towards a $30 million saving goal by the end of the 2026 financial year.
2 outlets · South African High Commissioner urges migrants to stop bashing home country
South African High Commissioner Johnny Sexwale has called on migrants in New Zealand to stop badmouthing their home country. He stated that expats should not lie about being treated badly in South Africa. Approximately 100,000 South Africans currently live in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Coroner finds Shaun Gray's death at mental health ward preventable
Coroner Matthew Bates has ruled that the 2014 death of Shaun Gray at Palmerston North Hospital was avoidable. The findings state that staff failed the man and that the mental health unit was not fit for purpose. The inquest explored the circumstances surrounding the death of the man in the hospital ward.
+26 outlets · Heavy rain and wind move north after hitting Canterbury
Heavy rain and strong winds caused power outages for several hundred homes and blocked roads with fallen trees in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Nearly 100mm of rain fell in Banks Peninsula over 12 hours. The weather system is now moving north towards Wellington.
2 outlets · Prime Minister Luxon visits New Delhi to discuss India trade deal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited New Delhi to discuss a potential free trade agreement with India. While some discussions suggested a 60-day timeline, the Prime Minister has downplayed talk of a specific deadline despite previous commitments to secure a deal by 2026.
3 outlets · Trademark application for Paddy Gower brand stalled over potential offence
Journalist Paddy Gower's attempt to register the brand "This is the F***ing News" stalled at the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand. The application faced issues because the name could likely offend a significant portion of the community.
2 outlets · ACT Party to endorse candidates in upcoming local elections
The ACT Party has announced it will stand candidates in the upcoming local council elections. While David Seymour supports the move, some Christchurch City Council members argue that local government should remain free from party politics.
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