Professor Bev Lawton named 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
Professor Bev Lawton has been awarded the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year title. A researcher and women's health pioneer from Wellington, Lawton was honoured at a gala dinner in Auckland. She was recognised for her contributions to women's health, including her work with HPV self-testing.
+37 outlets · Three security contractors arrested for alleged extortion at Manukau Pak'nSave
Three security contractors have been arrested following allegations of extortion at Pak'nSave Manukau. Five victims reported that the guards allegedly demanded money under the threat of being trespassed. The group, consisting of two men and a woman, faces charges including obtaining by deception.
+15 outlets · NZDF proposing to cut 374 civilian roles
The New Zealand Defence Force is proposing a major restructure that could result in a net reduction of 374 civilian roles. The Public Service Association has criticised the move, while a spokesperson stated the cuts aim to prioritise budget savings while maintaining combat readiness.
4 outlets · Fourth man charged in connection with Stokes Valley arson and murder
A 26-year-old Upper Hutt man has been charged with murder, arson, and participating in a criminal group. He is the fourth person charged in relation to the death of 82-year-old Ian David Moller following a fire in Stokes Valley in November 2024.
4 outlets · Three Auckland Airport workers arrested for alleged methamphetamine smuggling
Three Menzies Aviation employees have been arrested following the seizure of approximately 58kg of methamphetamine. Customs identified suspicious activity after the workers allegedly moved a container from a Malaysian Airlines flight on 12 March. The drugs have an estimated street value of about $21.7 million.
4 outlets · Body found in search for missing man in Hikumutu
Police have located a body believed to be that of 79-year-old Geoffrey Kelly in rural Hikumutu. Kelly was reported missing in late February after his vehicle was found in a ditch on Makokomiko Road. His death has been referred to the coroner.
+15 outlets · Search paused for missing woman on Otago Peninsula
Dunedin police have suspended the search for 65-year-old Penelope, known as Penny, who has been missing since 1 March. She failed to board a flight from Dunedin to Taupō and was last seen on CCTV in the Sandfly Bay area. The search was paused after no new leads or areas were identified.
4 outlets · Soldier killed in Ukraine to be laid to rest in Canterbury
Corporal Dominic Abelen, a 28-year-old soldier from the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment, will be buried in Prebbleton. His body was returned to New Zealand last week after being held in Russian custody since his death in August 2022.
3 outlets · Prime Minister Luxon concludes four-day visit to India
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declared his four-day tour of India a success. The visit involved strengthening political, business, and cultural ties, with a focus on tourism and trade. During the trip, the Prime Minister participated in cricket activities in New Delhi and Mumbai.
3 outlets · Doctor and former TVNZ presenter has medical registration cancelled
Dr Samantha Bailey has had her medical registration cancelled and was ordered to pay more than $148,000. The Health Practitioner’s Disciplinary Tribunal issued the ruling after she posted misleading Covid-19 videos to her YouTube channel.
+15 outlets · Police investigate alleged assault of a teenager in Napier
Police are investigating allegations that an officer assaulted a 15-year-old boy in Hawke's Bay. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 16 March, after a stolen vehicle was found crashed in Napier. Four young people were taken into custody at the scene.
3 outlets · Far North District Council to delete racist social media comments
Far North mayor Moko Tepania says the council is deleting racist comments and blocking accounts following a barrage of vitriol on a Matariki Facebook post. The mayor stated the organisation will not tolerate objectionable language on its platforms.
4 outlets · Giraffe dies from anaesthesia complications at Hamilton Zoo
Dume, a 19-year-old giraffe at Hamilton Zoo, has died following complications from anaesthesia. The animal was undergoing a routine health check to treat hoof disease when the death occurred. Zoo officials described the giraffe as one of their oldest residents.
+15 outlets · Police seek Head Hunters associate for Auckland retail offending spree
Auckland police are searching for Storm Bryce Hughes, a 49-year-old Head Hunters associate, following a spree of offending at central Auckland retailers. Hughes is wanted for aggravated robbery and dishonesty offences. Police advise the public not to confront him directly and to report any sightings.
3 outlets · Wairoa issued orange heavy rain warning with potential flooding
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Wairoa district, with 70 to 110mm of rain expected. A heavy rain watch is also in place for the southern Gisborne region from Tolaga Bay southwards. Authorities have warned of potential flooding and difficult travel conditions.
3 outlets · Former funeral director denies charges of mishandling burials
A 53-year-old former funeral director has appeared in Auckland District Court facing charges of obtaining money by deception and inappropriate handling of human remains. The man denies all charges and has elected a trial by jury. He has been granted interim name suppression.
3 outlets · Auckland drought plan activated as dam levels drop
Watercare has activated its drought management plan after dam levels fell below a specific trigger point. Residents are being asked to reduce outdoor water use, shorten showers, and limit car washes. The city is currently in the preparing for drought stage as dry weather is expected to continue.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand investigates direct flights to India by 2028
Air New Zealand is investigating the possibility of introducing direct flights to India by approximately 2028. A codeshare agreement has been established to allow travellers to connect through Australia or Singapore. Meanwhile, visa issues remain a challenge for travellers.
3 outlets · Principals surprised by government move to procure national testing system
The Education Ministry has issued a request for proposals for a standardised assessment tool for reading, writing and maths. The proposed system would allow schools to test children in Years 3 to 10 twice a year. Primary principals have expressed shock at the government's decision to go to market for these tests.
+37 outlets · Firefighters contain blaze at East Tāmaki boat manufacturer
Emergency crews responded to a large fire at a boat manufacturing site in East Tāmaki shortly after midnight on Thursday. Approximately 50 firefighters contained the blaze to an office block, and no injuries were reported. A truck remained at the scene to monitor hotspots while investigations begin.
3 outlets · Philanthropists to fund base build of new Wellington charity hospital
Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood have agreed to fund the base build of the Wellington Regional Charity Hospital. The new facility will offer free services and follows models used in Canterbury and Southland.
+15 outlets · Crashed car left on Havelock North hill for months
A hatchback that crashed on Te Mata Peak Rd in December remains on Hastings District Council land. After months of vandalism and being stripped for parts, the vehicle is now propped up by a piece of wood in a precarious position.
4 outlets · Wellington gastric illness outbreak linked to swimming pools
Health authorities have identified 32 cases of cryptosporidiosis in the Wellington region, with 19 cases located in the Hutt Valley. The outbreak is connected to swimming pools, prompting local councils to take precautions. Medical experts advise thorough handwashing and avoiding pools as the actual number of infections may be higher.
4 outlets · Teenager Sam Ruthe becomes youngest person to run sub-four-minute mile
Tauranga runner Sam Ruthe has set a world record as the youngest person to break the four-minute mile barrier at age 15. His father and coach have praised his composure and development, noting the challenge of balancing his athletic success with a normal life.
2 outlets · Man accused of stealing rescue helicopter medical supplies muted in court
A 31-year-old man appeared via video link in the Dunedin District Court regarding allegations of stealing medical supplies from an Otago rescue helicopter in January. A judge muted the defendant after describing his courtroom conduct as nonsense. Mental health reports regarding the man are currently being prepared.
3 outlets · Grey District mayor responds to ACT criticism of local government
Grey District mayor Tania Gibson has criticised the ACT Party's comments regarding councils, describing them as a cheap shot. She stated that local authorities are struggling to manage finances under difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, West Coast leaders are also supporting calls for longer council terms and the use of voting booths.
3 outlets · One person critically injured in Waikato four-vehicle crash
A person was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries following a collision involving three cars and a truck on State Highway 39 at Tihiroa. A second person sustained moderate injuries during the crash, which occurred near Ormsby Road. The road is expected to remain closed for some time.
2 outlets · Queenstown Lakes District Council considers new freedom camping bylaw
Queenstown Lakes District Councillors have voted to pursue a new bylaw to address freedom camping. A local resident informed councillors that streets are being left with rubbish and faeces. The move follows calls for a crackdown on the practice.
4 outlets · Libelle Group liquidation impacts school lunch supplier and creditors
The liquidation of major school lunch provider Libelle Group has left creditors, including a small business, facing significant losses. While the Government says school lunches will continue uninterrupted, Northland education leader Pat Newman noted that current supplies were prepared in advance.
2 outlets · US Secretary of State discusses defence burden sharing with Winston Peters
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters in Washington DC on Wednesday. The discussions focused on defence burden sharing, a policy involving increased spending by allies and partners. Peters expressed satisfaction with the meeting following a series of high-level engagements in the United States.
3 outlets · Independent review launched into ACC workplace culture
The ACC board has commissioned an independent review to evaluate the agency's workplace culture. This follows reports regarding the behaviour of two deputy chief executives, who have been stood down. The review process will allow employees to participate through a confidential system.
2 outlets · Man assaulted during aggravated burglary in rural Northland
Police are investigating an aggravated burglary at a residential property on the Karikari Peninsula early Thursday morning. A man was reportedly tied up and assaulted during the incident at a Matai Bay Road address. The offenders demanded the victim's personal property before fleeing.
2 outlets · Whangārei homicide victim identified as Toby Mike Adams
Police have identified 62-year-old Toby Mike Adams as the man who died following a homicide in Whangārei on 15 March. A 53-year-old man has been charged with his murder and is expected to appear in the Whangārei High Court.
2 outlets · Jury unable to reach verdict in Auckland manslaughter trial
A jury has failed to reach a verdict in the manslaughter trial of a 29-year-old man. The case involves an incident where his partner died after jumping from a moving vehicle in South Auckland. After five days of deliberation, the jury was declared deadlocked.
2 outlets · Government to expand Napier overnight urgent care service
The Government will enhance Napier's overnight urgent care service following community opposition to proposed cuts. While the service will continue at the Napier Health Centre, it will not include a doctor on site after 8pm.
2 outlets · Cryptosporidiosis cases more than double in Wellington
Wellington is experiencing a gastric illness outbreak, with cryptosporidiosis cases reaching more than twice the region's typical levels. The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite and can result in vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
2 outlets · New Zealand economy exits recession as GDP grows 0.7 per cent
The New Zealand economy has moved out of a technical recession following a 0.7 per cent increase in GDP during the December quarter. This growth follows two consecutive quarters of contraction. The rebound was stronger than economists had previously forecast.
2 outlets · Sprint car driver in serious condition after Ruapuna Speedway crash
Kevin Ban is recovering at Middlemore Hospital's National Burn Centre following a fiery sprint car crash at Ruapuna Speedway last month. The driver was initially taken to Christchurch Hospital in critical condition. A Givealittle fund has been established to assist with his recovery, raising $20,000 so far.
2 outlets · Hamilton woman pleads guilty to attempted murder after hammer attack
Sarangi Lim has admitted to attempted murder following an incident at The Base shopping centre in Hamilton last June. Lim allegedly used a hammer to strike a woman on the back of the head after seeing a young child eating cigarettes in the car park.
3 outlets · Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott heads to World Championships in Switzerland
Wānaka snowboarder and Olympic champion Zoi Sadowski-Synnott is preparing for her fifth Park and Pipe World Championships. The 24-year-old aims to secure a third world gold medal while competing against a growing group of teenage athletes.
2 outlets · Older New Zealanders cutting back on food to pay bills
Some older New Zealanders are skipping meals or making frozen meals last for three days to manage the cost of living. Advocates report that these individuals are reducing food intake to ensure they can pay their bills.
2 outlets · Christchurch brew bar delayed by liquor licensing issues
Two Thumb Brew Bar in Redcliffs remains closed despite being ready to operate. The venue was originally scheduled to open in October but has faced significant delays due to its liquor licence application. While the interior is fully prepared, the business is currently stuck in limbo awaiting a decision.
2 outlets · State Highway 1 lights to be replaced in Kaikōura
Waka Kotahi NZTA will begin replacing sodium street lights with LED lights along State Highway 1 next month. The change, occurring between Killarney Street and Mill Road, aims to protect local birds, including the endangered Hutton's shearwater, which can become disorientated by existing lighting.
+15 outlets · Winston Peters calls for Gaza ceasefire following deadly airstrikes
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has called for a permanent end to fighting in Gaza. This follows Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 400 Palestinians, marking the deadliest bombardment since the conflict began. Israel has also launched its first ground offensive since the previous ceasefire collapsed.
2 outlets · New survey shows concern for children's online safety
A new survey reveals that 71 per cent of New Zealanders are very or extremely concerned about children accessing harmful content online. The research highlights worries regarding misinformation and inappropriate content. Additionally, half of those surveyed spend at least four hours of leisure time on the internet every day.
2 outlets · Experts express concern over proposed fisheries management reforms
The Government is proposing significant changes to New Zealand's fisheries management to streamline regulations and boost economic prosperity. However, marine advocates and organisations like LegaSea have raised concerns that the reforms could reduce transparency and harm the marine environment.
2 outlets · Christchurch roadworks map causes online stir
An interactive map from the Christchurch City Council has drawn attention online due to the high number of red dots indicating traffic management. The map, which shows various roadworks across the city, has led some people to describe the volume of work as being out of control.
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