Man who died in Miramar identified as Abdul Nabizadah
Police have named 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah, who died in hospital on Tuesday after being found with serious head injuries. He was discovered on a footpath in Miramar around 2.20am on Monday. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
All Whites defeat Fiji 7-0 in World Cup qualifier
The All Whites beat Fiji 7-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying semi-final at Sky Stadium in Wellington. A hat-trick from Chris Wood helped secure the victory before more than 20,000 spectators. New Zealand will face New Caledonia in the final at Eden Park on Monday to decide the Oceania qualification spot.
Man arrested over January shooting and robbery in Feilding
A 24-year-old man was arrested on Friday following a search of a Palmerston North address. He faces charges of aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm regarding a January 4 shooting at Kowhai Park. The man is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court.
High Court allows Wellington rainbow crossing to remain in place
The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against the rainbow crossing on Cuba Street. A group connected with Destiny Church argued the markings were a safety hazard and breached road rules. However, Justice Jason McHerron found the crossing complied with laws governing traffic control devices.
Driver was too tired before fatal Canterbury crash, coroner says
A coroner has found that a driver involved in a March 2024 crash near Lake Pukaki was too tired to be driving. The driver, a university student, had only three hours of sleep the night before the collision involving two cars and a motorcycle, which resulted in four deaths.
Police renew appeal for information regarding missing Feilding man
Manawatū Police are seeking public assistance to find Stephen Ryan, who has been missing for nearly two years. Mr Ryan, who was 40 at the time, was last seen on the evening of 28 March 2023 after being dropped off at a Feilding address.
Strong 4.8 magnitude earthquake strikes south of Seddon
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 10km south of Seddon at a depth of 9km on Friday morning. GeoNet recorded the shaking as strong, with over 1,300 people reporting the tremor. Aftershocks are expected following the event.
Major sporting events held in Auckland this weekend
Auckland is hosting several large-scale sporting events, including international cricket at Eden Park. The schedule features the White Ferns playing Australia and the Black Caps attempting to clinch a T20 series against Pakistan. Other events taking place include Super Rugby, football, and athletics.
Avian botulism likely caused more than 100 duck deaths in Napier
More than 100 dead and distressed ducks were found in creeks and streams near Prebensen Drive in Napier earlier this month. Experts believe avian botulism is the likely cause. Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game is working with local councils to collect more birds while awaiting water quality results.
Heathrow Airport shuts down following major electrical substation fire
London's Heathrow Airport closed all day Friday after a large fire at a nearby electrical substation caused a significant power outage. Approximately 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in west London. Authorities have advised passengers not to travel to the airport until it reopens, which is expected to be just before midnight.
Auckland restaurant removes Bluff oysters from menu due to sustainability concerns
Depot Eatery in Auckland's CBD will not serve Bluff oysters during the 2025 season. The decision follows Ngāi Tahu's announcement that they are not harvesting the seafood this season due to ongoing concerns regarding the state of the fishery.
Police locate vehicle linked to Stokes Valley murder and arsons
Hutt Valley police have located a silver Mazda Atenza believed to be connected to the murder of 82-year-old Ian David Moller and arsons at his property. Investigators say there are more people of interest following the discovery of the vehicle. Police are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.
Missing Cook Strait jetskier identified as Andrew David Walker
Andrew David Walker, 68, has been identified as the man who went missing in Cook Strait on 3 February. The Paraparaumu resident was attempting to cross the strait on a jetski but failed to arrive in Plimmerton as expected.
Man jailed for sexual violation of teenager in 2007
A man has been sentenced to seven years and two months in prison for sexually violating a 14-year-old boy in 2007. The victim, who met the offender via a dating website, has requested that suppression orders be lifted to help identify potential other victims. A suppression order remains in place regarding the offender's identity and profession.
Bluebridge to purchase new Stena Livia ferry for Cook Strait
Bluebridge is buying the Stena Livia from Stena Line to increase freight and passenger capacity. The new vessel will replace the Strait Feronia on the Cook Strait route towards the end of the year.
Person dies following hunting incident in Minginui
Police are investigating the sudden death of a person during a hunting incident in Minginui, near Whakatāne. Authorities were alerted to the incident around 2am on Friday. The Coroner has been advised and is involved in the investigation.
Coalition government receives lowest performance rating since 2017
The National-led coalition has received a performance rating of 4.2 out of 10 in the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor survey. This is the lowest score recorded since the survey began in mid-2017. Public concerns include inflation, healthcare, the economy, and crime.
Seymour knew of Libelle liquidation risk before Stanford
Education Minister Erica Stanford only learned of school lunch provider Libelle's liquidation through media reports. Associate Education Minister David Seymour reportedly knew of the potential collapse as early as 6 March but did not inform the minister.
World War II shipwreck poses $200 million oil spill risk
Maritime NZ has warned that the RMS Niagara shipwreck in the Hauraki Gulf could cause an oil spill costing $200 million to clean up. Despite recommendations since 2019 to survey the vessel for furnace oil, the government has declined to conduct a risk assessment.
Christopher Luxon defends defence job cuts during India visit
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has rejected claims that New Zealand Defence Force civilian job cuts are due to insufficient funding. Speaking from the HMNZS Te Kaha in Mumbai, he argued that increased defence spending is essential for prosperity and dismissed criticisms regarding the coalition's investment.
Man in his 20s dies after jetboating incident in Wairarapa
A man in his 20s has died following a jetboating incident on the Ruamahanga River. Emergency services were called to the Lees Pakaraka Rd area near Masterton at approximately 4.20pm on Friday. The man died at the scene.
NZ Warriors break seven-year drought with win over Sydney Roosters
The NZ Warriors defeated the Sydney Roosters 14-6 on Friday night, marking their first victory against the side in seven years. The win follows a previous success as the team establishes itself as a premiership contender. However, winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck left the field during the match.
Lewis Hamilton secures pole position in China as Liam Lawson struggles
Lewis Hamilton set a new lap record at the Shanghai circuit to claim his first sprint race pole for Ferrari. Meanwhile, New Zealander Liam Lawson failed to progress past the first qualifying session, recording the slowest time among the 20 drivers.
Four people injured in State Highway 30 crash near Kopaki
Four people have been injured following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 30 near Kopaki on Friday evening. Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 6.55pm, resulting in three serious injuries and one critical injury. The highway has been closed between Kopaki and Maraekowhai.
Coroner rules no inquiry needed after Rotorua man dies from crash injuries
Lance Hohaia Houpapa died at home four days after being discharged from Rotorua Hospital following a 2022 vehicle crash. Coroner Mike Robb ruled that no inquiry is required into the death, which resulted from injuries not detected during his initial medical treatment.
Rotorua school co-principal criticises government lunch programme
The co-principal of Te Wharekura o Ngāti Rongomai has criticised the government's school lunch programme after students were served only a single barbecue bun on Thursday. Renata Curtis noted that additional items, such as apples and yoghurt, were insufficient to cover all students at the Rotorua kura.
Auckland woman sentenced for torturing a teenager
Selica Wright has been sentenced at the Auckland District Court for the prolonged abuse of a minor. The court heard she used weapons, including a hammer and screwdriver, and forced the boy to consume dog faeces and soiled toilet paper. A judge described the violence as amounting to torture.
Wellington stomach bug outbreak linked to Hutt City pools
Hutt City Council is draining the Te Ngaengae toddlers’ pool and Huia’s hydrotherapy pool following a cryptosporidiosis outbreak. Health New Zealand has linked several cases of the gastric illness to the facilities. The sickness is part of a wider outbreak affecting the Greater Wellington region.
Woman from Hanmer Springs named in fatal Hurunui crash
Police have identified 67-year-old Joy Carolyn Farrington as the woman killed in a two-vehicle crash on Mouse Point Road in Hurunui. The accident occurred on 11 February shortly before 4.30pm. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Hamilton City Council reshuffles portfolios after councillor resignation
Hamilton City Council will not hold a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Mark Donovan, who resigned on 5 March. Donovan stepped down after starting a full-time job late last year. The council has decided to reorganise its portfolios instead of holding a new election.
Police warn of planned antisocial road user event in Hawke’s Bay
Police are deploying a visible presence this weekend to deter dangerous driving during a planned antisocial road user event in Hawke’s Bay. Officers have already confiscated one car and warned parents of regular offenders. Inspector Angela Hallett stated that police will crack down on illegal activity during the meet.
Buller councillors to decide on Westport relocation plan
Buller councillors will meet next week to decide whether to endorse a proposal to move Westport to higher ground. A government-funded plan aims to relocate the town away from its flood-prone site. A recent survey indicated that most responding residents support the move.
Police condemn driver for posting videos of high-speed motorway driving
Police have criticised a young man for posting videos of himself driving at speeds exceeding 200km/h on an Auckland motorway. The footage shows the driver weaving through traffic and changing lanes without indicating. Authorities are now seeking information from anyone who may have details regarding the driver or the vehicle.
NZME talks to buy Stuff mastheads halted by board takeover bid
NZME has confirmed that discussions regarding the potential purchase of Stuff's mastheads have been paused. The talks were interrupted following billionaire Jim Grenon's announcement that he intends to replace the NZME board. Both companies are currently seeking leave to appeal a High Court decision that blocked their merger.
Christchurch residents seek action on derelict earthquake-damaged building
Residents in a Christchurch suburb are calling for action regarding a dangerous, graffiti-covered property damaged in the 2011 earthquake. While the council has received multiple complaints about the site, the owner has until 2033 to address the building's condition.
Taiwanese man identified as victim of Lewis Pass crash
Wen-Yang Liu, a 24-year-old from Taiwan, has been named as the person who died in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 7. The accident occurred on 9 February near Lewis Pass. Police are continuing investigations into the cause of the crash.
Two police officers injured during arrest in Dunedin
A 29-year-old man allegedly bit a female officer and broke a male officer's finger while resisting arrest at Dunedin's Kensington Oval on Thursday. Police were searching for the man, who had failed to appear in court, when the altercation occurred. Additional officers and pepper spray were used to complete the arrest.
Murder accused unable to appear in court due to hospitalisation
A 63-year-old man charged with the murder of Yvonne Chapman has missed his first court appearance. The accused remains in hospital being treated for serious injuries. Chapman died after being shot at a public reserve in Whangārei nearly four weeks ago.
Wellington magic trio Laser Kiwi fools Penn & Teller
The Wellington-based performance group Laser Kiwi appeared on the television show Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Using an act involving olives, martinis and giant toothpicks, the trio successfully fooled the American magician-comedian duo.
The Warehouse Group returns to profit despite falling sales
The Warehouse Group has recorded an after-tax profit of $11.8 million for the six months to January. This follows a $23.7 million loss during the same period last year, even though sales decreased by 1.6%.
Industry divided as Ngāi Tahu cancels Bluff oyster harvest
Ngāi Tahu has cancelled its Bluff oyster harvest due to concerns regarding the fishery's condition. While some industry members report a strong season, nine boats continue to fish in Foveaux Strait. Officials state that commercial fishing has a minimal impact on wild oyster numbers.
Ten-year-old North Shore boy dies after battling rare brain cancer
Lachie Love has passed away peacefully at home with his family. He had been fighting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, since his diagnosis in December 2022.
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have splashed down on Earth after spending nine months on the International Space Station. Scientists are monitoring the physical and mental effects of their prolonged space travel, which can include vision loss and difficulty walking.
Open Christchurch festival to offer tours of 51 city buildings
The 2025 Open Christchurch architecture festival will take place during the first weekend of May. The event features tours of 51 buildings, including special access to the new Te Kaha stadium. More than 40 activities are planned for the weekend.





























