Christchurch landlord ordered to pay for unlawful rental conditions
Trott Dairy Limited must pay almost $14,000 following an investigation into a Bishopdale rental property. The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the repayment of $10,000 in rent plus fines after finding the home had holes in the walls and ceiling, a leaking roof, and insufficient smoke alarms.
+26 outlets · Man charged following aggravated burglary in Miramar
A 28-year-old man has been charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated injury following an incident in a Miramar home on March 17. Police are investigating a possible link between the burglary and the death of Abdul Nabizadah. The accused appeared in Wellington District Court and was remanded in custody.
4 outlets · Green MP Tamatha Paul maintains criticism of police presence
Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul has stood by her comments that a visible police presence can make people feel more on edge. Her remarks have faced criticism from the coalition Government and Labour. Paul stated she has received significant feedback from constituents regarding the issue.
+15 outlets · Police seek sightings of vehicle in Christchurch homicide investigation
Police are searching for a light-coloured people mover or van seen near Innes Road in Mairehau on 9 March. The vehicle is of interest following the death of 39-year-old Tyrone Munns, who was found critically injured at a social housing complex. Investigators are also focusing on a nearby property.
+15 outlets · Man arrested after forcing entry to Murupara police station
A man is in custody after allegedly smashing a glass door and barricading himself inside the unmanned Murupara police station on Wednesday morning. Police negotiators attended the scene, and Pine Drive was closed between Oregon Drive and Main Road during the incident.
4 outlets · Police appeal for firearms in West Coast cold case murder investigation
Police are asking anyone who owned a .22 calibre firearm in the West Coast area in 1998 to come forward. The appeal follows the reopening of the investigation into the death of David Robinson, whose body was found on Kakapotahi beach more than 26 years ago.
+15 outlets · Reports suggest Liam Lawson may be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda
Dutch media reports suggest New Zealander Liam Lawson will be sacked by Red Bull Racing this week following a difficult start to his first full Formula 1 season. While Lawson is reportedly set to be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, some experts have questioned the team's handling of the driver.
3 outlets · Widow seeks answers regarding death of former Green MP Efeso Collins
Vasa Fia Collins is calling for a coronial inquiry into the 2024 death of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins. The former Green Party MP and Auckland Councillor died following a cardiac arrest at a charity event in Auckland. His widow says many distressing questions remain regarding the circumstances of his passing.
4 outlets · Dean Wickliffe released from prison following hunger strike
The 77-year-old inmate has been released to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community. His release follows a hunger strike that began on 10 March in protest of alleged mistreatment by prison guards. Wickliffe appeared before the Parole Board on Wednesday after being hospitalised with a suspected kidney issue.
3 outlets · James Parker denied parole for fourth time
James Parker, a former deputy principal jailed indefinitely for abusing 20 boys in Northland, has been refused parole for the fourth time. While his release remains delayed for suppressed reasons, it has emerged that he may move to the South Island if released.
4 outlets · Christchurch student faces charges after allegedly attacking teachers with scissors
A Year 9 student has been excluded from Haeata Community Campus following an incident on 19 March. The student allegedly used scissors to assault two teachers in the school's primary section. Police were called to the Aranui suburb, and the student now faces several criminal charges, including assault.
4 outlets · Thousands attend South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee
Thousands of people have arrived in Kirwee, Canterbury, for the start of the South Island Agricultural Field Days. The three-day event features 600 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors in total.
3 outlets · Businessman offers compromise to become NZME board chair
James Grenon has expressed willingness to include NZME CEO Michael Boggs on a new board to secure his election as chair. The Auckland businessman believes he has the necessary support to restructure the media company's board.
3 outlets · Legislation for roadside drug testing passes third reading in Parliament
Parliament has passed a bill allowing police to conduct random roadside saliva tests for drugs. Drivers with positive results will undergo laboratory testing, with potential fines and demerit points for those found using qualifying drugs. The legislation passed with support from National, ACT, New Zealand First, and Labour.
+48 outlets · Privileges Committee recommends Peeni Henare apologise for disorderly behaviour
Parliament's Privileges Committee has found Labour MP Peeni Henare engaged in disorderly behaviour during a Treaty Principles Bill vote. While the committee ruled his actions did not amount to contempt, it has recommended that Henare be required to apologise in the House.
4 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern joins Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has joined the Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow. She will be a member of the World Leaders Circle for a three-year affiliation, attending annual gatherings alongside other former heads of government.
+26 outlets · Government unveils plan to replace Resource Management Act
The Government has announced plans to introduce two new pieces of legislation to replace the Resource Management Act by the end of the year. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop stated the changes aim to simplify planning and reduce red tape. Economists suggest the reforms could improve housing supply and reduce prices if enacted.
3 outlets · Child given antipsychotics after being mistaken for an adult
An 11-year-old girl was handcuffed and admitted to a Hamilton mental health facility after being mistaken for an adult. Mental Health Minister Matt Docey stated the child received at least two doses of antipsychotic medication. Health New Zealand and police are currently investigating the incident.
4 outlets · Rotorua man sentenced to community service for dog abuse
A Rotorua man has been sentenced to community service after being prosecuted by the SPCA for severely mistreating his dog, Bubby. The man reportedly kicked, punched, and threw the black crossbreed dog during a series of violent outbursts in January last year.
3 outlets · Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro visits Te Kura o Otangarei
Dame Cindy Kiro visited Te Kura o Otangarei in Whangārei as part of her Northland tour. During the visit, she spoke to students about her role as the Crown’s representative.
2 outlets · Jeanswest parent company enters voluntary administration
The Australian parent company of Jeanswest, Harbour Guidance Pty Ltd, has entered voluntary administration. More than 90 stores are expected to close, putting hundreds of retail jobs at risk. Owners stated that current market conditions have made maintaining physical stores unviable.
2 outlets · Small tsunami observed after 6.8 magnitude South Island earthquake
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck 160km northwest of the Snares Islands on Tuesday afternoon. GNS Science reported a 10cm tsunami at Puysegur Point lasting approximately 90 minutes, though no coastal damage has been reported. Over 4,500 people felt the tremor, which caused buildings to sway.
2 outlets · Rotorua council to fluoridate two water supplies by Friday
Rotorua's council has voted to follow a directive to add fluoride to two water supplies by Friday. The council plans to provide two temporary sources of unfluoridated water for residents and will ask the Prime Minister for a public inquiry into the matter.
4 outlets · Australia beats White Ferns by eight runs in Wellington T20I
Australia defeated New Zealand by eight runs in the third T20I at Sky Stadium, Wellington. Despite half-centuries from Melie Kerr and Maddy Green, the White Ferns finished on 172-8 after Australia posted 180-4. Annabel Sutherland took four wickets to help secure the win for Australia.
2 outlets · New Zealand Hells Angels member arrested in Spain
Murray Michael Matthews, an Auckland Hells Angels member wanted in the US, has been arrested on a motorway in Madrid. He was previously detained in Romania in 2020 regarding a conspiracy to import 400kg of cocaine into New Zealand. Matthews was found with a French passport and a Slovakian driver's licence.
2 outlets · Psychologists oppose government proposal for new associate roles
More than 200 psychologists have signed a letter expressing concern over Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's plan to introduce associate psychologist roles. Critics argue the proposal could lower professional standards and harm patients. The new roles would involve treating low-level patients under supervision.
+15 outlets · More job losses proposed at Tertiary Education Commission
The Tertiary Education Commission is facing proposed job cuts as part of government budget reductions. Staff have been informed of a restructure that could result in the loss of 22 roles. If these proposals proceed, the agency will have lost nearly 14 per cent of its workforce in just over a year.
3 outlets · Third youth arrested following Invercargill shop robbery
Police have taken a third youth into custody regarding Monday morning's aggravated robbery at the On the Spot Collingwood Foodcentre in Invercargill. Four people allegedly targeted tobacco products during the incident on North Road, with some carrying weapons including knives and a tyre iron.
2 outlets · Man sentenced for aiding alleged gunman in Grey Lynn shooting
Destry Watts, 18, has been sentenced to intensive supervision after being charged as an accessory to murder. He drove an alleged gunman away from a Grey Lynn street following a September shooting that resulted in the death of Maxwel-Dee Repia and left three others injured.
2 outlets · Hurricanes and Highlanders announce squads for upcoming Super Rugby matches
The Hurricanes have named their round seven squad, which excludes Harry Godfrey for up to six weeks due to a leg injury. Meanwhile, the Highlanders have made several changes to their team ahead of their Friday night clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.
2 outlets · Advocates call for legislation on vegan and vegetarian food labelling
The New Zealand Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand are seeking legislative changes to food labelling. Advocates argue that formalising these labels would remove ambiguity and help consumers ensure products meet their specific dietary requirements.
2 outlets · Nelson lawyer fined for identifying a child with a suppressed name
Sue Grey has been fined and ordered to pay costs after she used a child's name during an interview. The slip-up occurred while discussing a case involving the use of vaccinated blood in surgery. The lawyer must pay a $1,500 fine plus $14,190 in costs and reimbursements.
3 outlets · Australian tourists cause disturbance at Dunedin hotel over mattress demands
Police were called to a Princes Street hotel on Tuesday night after an Australian couple requested multiple rooms to test bed firmness. The 60-year-old man and 52-year-old woman were asked to leave following the incident, after which they alleged they had been assaulted.
2 outlets · Stolen Range Rover rams three vehicles during Auckland motorway pursuit
A stolen Range Rover rammed three vehicles while fleeing police on Auckland's Southern Motorway on Wednesday. The pursuit began after the vehicle was spotted in Onehunga. Witnesses reported seeing the car travelling at speed on its rims with police in pursuit.
2 outlets · Two youths arrested after overnight burglary at Bluff store
Police arrested two youths following a break-in at a Gore Street store in Bluff around 2.30am. A police dog unit tracked the suspects after they fled the scene on foot. One individual is due in Youth Court on Wednesday, while the other has been referred to Youth Aid.
3 outlets · Mayor says speedway at Western Springs is a burden on ratepayers
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown stated that speedway at Western Springs is no longer financially viable and costs ratepayers $1.2 million annually. He noted that attendance was only 12,800 last year, suggesting a move to Waikaraka Park could help the sport flourish.
2 outlets · Most regional and unitary councils back horse rider safety campaign
All but one of New Zealand's regional and unitary councils are supporting a campaign to improve horse rider safety on roads. The initiative, led by Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand, has received backing from Police, St John, and the NZ Trucking Association.
3 outlets · Five people injured after car mounts footpath in Auckland
A University of Auckland staff member and several students were injured when a car mounted the curb on Symonds Street. While most pedestrians have been discharged, the staff member remains in hospital. A 20-year-old driver faces reckless driving charges and is due in court this Friday.
2 outlets · South Auckland community to receive first pump track
A local board has approved the construction of a pump track for the Maraetai and Beachlands area in south Auckland. Byron Scott, motivated by his three children, has spent years working to bring the project to the beachside community.
3 outlets · Protesters picket in Queenstown over sewage discharge plan
Approximately 50 people protested at a wastewater plant to oppose the Queenstown Lakes District Council's plan to discharge treated sewage into the Shotover River. The council intends to use emergency powers to release 12,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater into the river daily.
+15 outlets · Auckland Transport trials body cameras for parking officers
Auckland Transport is trialling body cameras for its 188 parking officers. The equipment is being tested as a way to defend staff against aggression encountered while working alone.
2 outlets · Wellington law firms lose over $2m to ANZ bank scammers
Multiple Wellington-based law firms have reportedly lost more than $2 million to a phone scam. Scammers posing as ANZ bank employees targeted the firms' trust accounts to transfer funds offshore. The exact total amount stolen remains unclear.
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