Auckland Council endorses Eden Park redevelopment over waterfront stadium
Auckland councillors voted 17 to 2 to endorse a staged redevelopment of Eden Park rather than a new downtown stadium. The decision allows for discussions with the central government regarding funding for the project.
+15 outlets · Woman arrested at Auckland Airport with 15kg of methamphetamine
A 23-year-old woman has been arrested after arriving on a flight from Canada. Customs officers discovered approximately 15kg of methamphetamine, worth up to $4.55 million, hidden in 14 vacuum-sealed packages within her checked baggage. She faces charges of importation and possession for supply.
+15 outlets · Man charged after alleged indecent acts on Wellington buses
A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged following reports of sexually inappropriate behaviour on the Metlink bus network. Police say the man allegedly targeted lone female passengers during a series of incidents in early March. The accused is due to appear in court on Monday.
+15 outlets · Wellington train services resume after mass signal failure
Train services in Wellington resumed this morning following a mass signal failure that caused widespread disruption. KiwiRail stated the issue was caused by a power supply failure. While services have begun running again, commuters are still being advised to expect delays and cancellations.
+15 outlets · Man charged with murder following Kawerau death
A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a homicide investigation in Kawerau. The accused was arrested in Hamilton after a man was found dead on a doorstep on Onslow Street on 26 February. The accused is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday.
+15 outlets · Malicious actor downloads private Health NZ staff information
A security breach in October 2024 allowed a malicious actor to access and download sensitive personal information regarding current and former Health NZ staff. The data, which includes occupational health and safety details, relates to employees in the lower North Island. The agency has reported the incident to police.
+26 outlets · Musician sentenced to community work for domestic violence
A well-known New Zealand musician has been sentenced to 80 hours of community service after being found guilty of two domestic violence charges. The Auckland District Court declined his applications for a discharge without conviction and permanent name suppression, though interim suppression was extended by one month.
4 outlets · Canadian driver sentenced for Taupō crash that injured hockey players
Renee Kelly Vanry, 57, has been sentenced in Tauranga District Court for four counts of careless driving causing injury. The crash occurred on Sunday on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki when a van carrying Canadian hockey players was involved in a head-on collision. Some of those injured face months of recovery.
+15 outlets · Yuki Tsunoda to replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson has been demoted to the sister team Racing Bulls for the remainder of the season. Max Verstappen has reportedly liked a social media post criticising the decision to drop the New Zealander.
3 outlets · Swimmer poisoned by toxic algae in Ashburton's Lake Hood
A person fell ill after being exposed to cyanobacteria in Canterbury's Lake Hood. The individual was exposed to the bacteria before Te Whatu Ora issued a health warning about the toxic blue-green algae last week.
+15 outlets · Man charged after allegedly breaking into Murupara police station
A 55-year-old man has appeared in Rotorua District Court following an alleged break-in at the unmanned Murupara police station on Wednesday morning. The man allegedly used an axe to smash a glass door, leading to a standoff and a street closure. He faces charges including burglary.
3 outlets · Two Canterbury geckos may be the oldest in the world
Two Waitaha geckos on Motunau Island may be the oldest in the world, with estimated ages of 60 and 64 years. The Department of Conservation says the animals were first identified and marked by herpetologist Tony Whitaker in 1967.
4 outlets · Minister announces new funding for housing developers and community providers
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has introduced the Greenfield Model to provide low-cost financing for housing developments. Additionally, $150 million will be provided for lower-cost debt to assist community housing providers. These measures aim to increase home construction through various funding and regulatory reforms.
3 outlets · Two arrested and one wanted after Auckland jewellery store robberies
Police have arrested two people, including a 13-year-old, following three linked aggravated robberies at Auckland jewellery stores this month. An 18-year-old man is wanted by police in connection with the incidents. The robberies occurred at Kayson’s Fashion Store, Krishna Jewellery, and Michael Hill.
3 outlets · Dr Corina Grey appointed as director of public health
Dr Corina Grey has been named the new director of public health, starting on 5 May. She replaces Dr Nicholas Jones, who resigned from the position last month. Dr Grey is a public health physician with extensive experience in research and epidemiology.
+26 outlets · Fishing company criticised after vessel strands on Banks Peninsula
An investigation into the grounding of the Austro Carina found the vessel ran aground at Red Bluff because no one was monitoring the wheelhouse. The trawler, owned by Pegasus Fishing Ltd, struck rocks after turning towards the shore in September 2023. The crew was rescued during the incident.
3 outlets · Buller District councillors endorse plan to relocate Westport settlement
Buller District councillors have endorsed a government-funded proposal to acquire land for a new settlement on higher ground. The plan aims to address repetitive and damaging flooding in Westport. While the mayor says the move offers hope, some residents have expressed stress and criticism regarding the proposal.
3 outlets · Manslaughter trial begins for motorcyclist in Bethlehem collision
A 60-year-old man is appearing in the Rotorua High Court facing manslaughter charges following a 2022 motorcycle collision at Bethlehem. While the defendant admits causing the deaths of Geoffrey and Karen Boucher, he disputes the manslaughter charge. He also faces a charge of dangerous driving causing injury to a passenger.
2 outlets · KiwiRail apologises for Wellington train service disruptions
A power supply and signal failure caused widespread train cancellations across Wellington on Thursday morning. Hundreds of commuters faced significant delays and waited for replacement buses during the peak period. KiwiRail has apologised for the disruption and stated that further service interruptions are unlikely.
2 outlets · Social service agencies respond to Green MP's claims about police
The Salvation Army and Downtown Community Ministry have responded to claims by Green MP Tamatha Paul regarding police throwing away items belonging to homeless people. Both organisations stated they had not formally complained to the MP about these issues.
2 outlets · Man convicted of manslaughter in Manurewa park to be deported
Simon Tavita will be deported to Samoa following his conviction for the 2020 manslaughter of Nigel Fuatimu. The incident occurred in Jellicoe Park, where Tavita and a friend dropped a brick on an unconscious man and kicked him. Tavita was released from prison last year but failed to remain in New Zealand.
3 outlets · New Pukekohe adoption centre opens to support South Auckland dogs
The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre opened in March to provide care and training for unclaimed dogs. The facility aims to reduce pressure on Auckland Council shelters in Manukau, Henderson and Silverdale, which frequently operate near capacity.
2 outlets · Māpua residents oppose Tasman District Council development plans
Residents are pushing back against a draft masterplan for Māpua due to concerns that extensive development will destroy the town's village character. The Tasman District Council's proposal includes zoning changes to accommodate an estimated 1,000 additional residents over the next 30 years.
2 outlets · Historic Hanmer Springs soldiers’ block to reopen on Anzac Day
The Soldiers’ Block at Queen Mary Hospital Historic Reserve will reopen as a community centre this Anzac Day. The building, which was originally constructed in 1916 for WWI soldiers, has remained unused for over 20 years. A restoration project including earthquake strengthening has been completed to facilitate the reopening.
2 outlets · Record numbers of long-tailed bats counted at Pelorus Bridge
A record number of vulnerable long-tailed bats have been captured and tracked during an annual count in the Pelorus area of Marlborough. While the results are encouraging, experts say it is too early to determine the reasons for the increase.
3 outlets · New uphill zipline opens at Christchurch Adventure Park
Christchurch Adventure Park has launched a new ride called 'The Rush'. Developed by Hornby-based Holmes Solutions, the motorised uphill zipline is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world.
3 outlets · Public service workforce drops by 4 per cent over last year
The public service workforce has decreased by 4 per cent, representing 2,700 fewer full-time employees since December 2023. Public Service Minister Judith Collins stated that government directives to reduce spending on consultants and contractors have saved at least $400 million annually.
2 outlets · Grandmother says mental health system failed teenager who died by suicide
A grandmother has claimed that inadequate mental healthcare failed her grandson, who died by suicide in February 2023. The teenager had been struggling with substance abuse while living with his grandmother. Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale has ruled the cause of death.
2 outlets · Legal action possible over Shotover River wastewater discharge plan
The Queenstown Lakes District Council plans to use emergency powers to pump 12,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater daily into the Shotover River. A water protection group, Aotearoa Water Action, is considering seeking an injunction to prevent the discharge from occurring.
2 outlets · Gang member sentenced to life for smuggling methamphetamine from prison
A senior gang member has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a plot to import 198kg of methamphetamine. The drugs were hidden inside wheat threshers arriving from Dubai. The man masterminded the smuggling operation while serving a prison sentence for a previous importation.
2 outlets · Uber driver killed in Wellington motorway collision
A long-term Uber driver died at the scene following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Kaiwharawhara on Sunday night. The collision occurred in the northbound lane around 11.30pm. A passenger and the driver of the second vehicle were taken to Wellington Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
2 outlets · Proposed Corrections changes could result in 49 job losses
The Public Service Association says a new proposal at the Department of Corrections would result in a net reduction of 49 roles. These cuts would affect back office staff, including those in health and safety and learning and development. The union suggests the changes may impact the ability of staff to perform their duties.
2 outlets · Tom Savage captains Moana Pasifika following Ardie Savea injury
Tom Savage has taken over the captaincy at Moana Pasifika after flanker Ardie Savea was injured during a recent loss to the Chiefs. Savage is currently the only European player in the squad. Meanwhile, breakout star Kyren Taumoefolau is attracting significant attention due to his form this season.
2 outlets · Two youths arrested after stolen vehicle linked to Mangōnui burglary
Two teenagers were taken into custody on Wednesday after police spotted a stolen vehicle travelling through Kaitāia. The vehicle was found abandoned on Grigg Street and is allegedly linked to a burglary that occurred in Mangōnui earlier that morning.
2 outlets · Contact Energy to appeal decision on Southland wind farm
Contact Energy is challenging the rejection of its billion-dollar Southland wind farm project. The company intends to lodge an appeal in the High Court and will also reapply for consent using the government's updated Fast-Track Approvals Act.
4 outlets · Apple adds Māori place names and iwi features to Maps
Apple has introduced new features to its Maps app, allowing users to search for iwi, marae, and Māori place names. The update includes curated text, photos, and new map icons provided by iwi. Additionally, the company is expanding its technology training programme to include 5,000 students across 22 schools.
2 outlets · State Highway 5 closed at Te Pohue due to vehicle fire
State Highway 5 has been closed in both directions near Te Pohue following a vehicle fire. The blaze has spread into nearby vegetation, prompting a response from emergency services between Te Pohue Loop Road and Richmond Road.
2 outlets · Two men charged with kidnapping after Whanganui shooting incident
Two men face kidnapping charges following a shooting on Morikau Road near Rānana in November last year. A man was shot in the leg during the incident, which police initially described as a hunting occurrence. Armed police and emergency services attended the scene north of Whanganui.
2 outlets · Environment Canterbury votes for gradual bus fare increases
Environment Canterbury has voted to implement a gradual increase in bus fares over the next three years. The regional council is resisting pressure from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to sharply raise the private contribution to bus operating costs.
3 outlets · Pedestrian seriously injured in Whangārei vehicle crash
A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Otaika Road in Raumanga. Emergency services responded to the incident on State Highway 1 just before 7am today. The individual was taken to hospital following the crash.
2 outlets · Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour coming to New Zealand
The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party will tour New Zealand for the first time. The show is scheduled to visit Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin, with a performance set for September at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.
2 outlets · Thick fog causes flight disruptions at Christchurch airport
Thick fog in Christchurch caused minor flight delays and cancellations on Thursday morning. Most of the disruptions affected incoming flights from the North Island, while departures remained mostly unaffected. An airport spokesperson confirmed the weather was having a minor effect on aviation operations.
2 outlets · Zeb Laing sentenced for child exploitation and fake accounts
Zeb Laing has been sentenced to 12 months of home detention. He was found guilty of possessing and distributing child exploitation material and creating fake social media accounts to contact young mothers. Laing also posted images of himself wearing soiled nappies.
3 outlets · One person dead and two injured in Marton vehicle crash
A person died and two others were injured following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Marton on Wednesday night. Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 9.45pm. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident.
2 outlets · New Zealand primary healthcare funding lags behind OECD average
A new study reveals New Zealand spends less than 6% of its health budget on primary care, while the OECD average is 14%. Research shows the sector's share of the total health budget has not increased since 2009.
4 outlets · New Zealand's pandemic readiness questioned five years after first lockdown
The Government has reportedly ignored recommendations from a Royal Commission of Inquiry regarding pandemic preparedness. Potential future strategies could include earlier border closures and less stringent vaccine mandates instead of harsh lockdowns.
2 outlets · Man charged after allegedly threatening to blow up Christchurch home
A man has been charged after allegedly threatening to use gas bottles to blow up his house in Sydenham. The incident on Monday led to police cordoning off a 100m area and evacuating several nearby homes and businesses.
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