Te Pāti Māori MPs suspended for performing haka in House
The Privileges Committee has recommended suspensions for three Te Pāti Māori MPs following a haka performed during the Treaty Principles Bill debate. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer face a three-week suspension and severe censure, while Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke is recommended for a seven-day suspension.
+26 outlets · Brooke van Velden uses profanity in Parliament during column critique
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden used a profanity in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. She made the comment while protesting an opinion column by Andrea Vance that she claimed contained sexist language regarding female Cabinet ministers.
+15 outlets · Green Party proposes alternative budget with new taxes and social spending
The Green Party has released an alternative budget promising free dental care, GP visits, and early childhood education. The plan aims to raise $88 billion through new taxes, including increases to company and income tax, while increasing government debt. The proposals were launched at Parliament ahead of the official Budget 2025.
+26 outlets · Teenager pleads not guilty to murder of American PhD student
A 16-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the murder and aggravated robbery of Kyle Whorrall, who was fatally attacked at an Auckland bus stop in April. A 32-year-old woman also pleaded not guilty to being an accessory after the fact. A trial has been scheduled for August next year.
+15 outlets · Hundreds of blood samples lost during transit to Wellington
A courier company has twice mislaid hundreds of blood samples being transported from Auckland to Wellington. Awanui Labs began sending community tests to the capital for processing after machinery in Auckland broke down in February. The union representing laboratory workers has confirmed further strike action following the incidents.
4 outlets · Nelson schools exit lockdown following threatening email
Nayland College, Nayland Primary School and Broadgreen Intermediate were placed on lockdown on Wednesday afternoon following a threatening email. Police responded to the incident near Nayland Road and have since spoken to a person. The schools have since finished the lockdown and cordons have been lifted.
4 outlets · Napier teenager killed in Onekawa violent disorder incident
Kaea Karauria, 15, died at the scene on Alexander Avenue in Onekawa on Sunday morning following a stabbing. Police are investigating the incident as violent disorder, and while another teenager was injured, no arrests have been made. Karauria's father and police have both appealed for information regarding the killing.
+15 outlets · Man charged after ambulance stolen from Timaru Hospital
A 25-year-old man faces charges of unlawfully taking a vehicle and driving without a licence after stealing an ambulance from Timaru Hospital early Tuesday. Dash-cam footage showed the vehicle travelling up to 82km/h through thick fog. The owner of the private ambulance expressed relief that no damage was caused during the joyride.
4 outlets · Government announces $140m package to improve school attendance
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a $140 million funding boost over four years to tackle truancy. Approximately $123 million will establish a new national attendance service, while $17 million will strengthen existing frontline services. The initiative aims to double the number of students reached by 2026.
+37 outlets · Department of Conservation trials sausage bait to control feral cats
The Department of Conservation has reported successful results from trials using sausage baits containing 1080 to control feral cat populations. Testing took place in locations including Macraes Flat and the St James Conservation Area in North Canterbury. The initiative is part of the Predator Free 2050 strategy.
3 outlets · Auckland dog owner sentenced after toddler was mauled by two dogs
An Auckland woman has been sentenced to community work following an unprovoked attack in March 2024. Two American Bulldogs roamed onto a South Auckland property and mauled a two-year-old boy, causing life-threatening injuries to his neck. The attack was captured on CCTV footage.
4 outlets · Minister's office withheld warnings regarding surgery outsourcing risks
Health Minister Simeon Brown's office removed details about serious risks from a memo concerning the outsourcing of surgeries to private hospitals. Health New Zealand warned that rapid attempts to reduce waitlists could distort the system and threaten public hospital staffing and acute work.
+26 outlets · Plans announced for $2.5 million Hastings inner-city development
A Queen St West site in Hastings is earmarked for a $2.5 million redevelopment including housing, commercial spaces, and a public car park. The Hastings District Council-owned site has been partially sold to Mike Walker Management following a four-year search for a development partner.
3 outlets · Man sentenced for shooting partner while on bail for hammer attack
Aramu Rangi has been sentenced for shooting his partner in the face during a drunken incident in Spotswood. At the time of the shooting, Rangi was on bail following a violent hammer attack on a Mongrel Mob member.
+15 outlets · Person seriously injured in suspected bull attack in Oxford
A person was seriously injured following a suspected bull attack on a rural property on Domain Road in Oxford on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, attended the scene. The individual was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital for treatment.
4 outlets · Ministry of Social Development office in Masterton placed under lockdown
Staff at the Ministry of Social Development's Lincoln Road office in Masterton entered lockdown around midday following reports of a threat. Police are currently guarding the building. This is the second time the office has been placed under lockdown this month.
3 outlets · IPCA reveals details of investigation into former deputy commissioner
The Independent Police Conduct Authority is investigating how police handled allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. This follows McSkimming's resignation on Monday after a four-month investigation by the IPCA and police into alleged objectionable material found on his work computer.
3 outlets · Cyber attacks cost New Zealanders an estimated $1.6 billion in 2024
New Zealanders lost an estimated $1.6 billion to online security threats in 2024, according to National Cyber Security Centre research. The survey found that 54 per cent of adults experienced an online threat in the last six months of 2024.
3 outlets · Asbestos-containing materials wash up on east Auckland beaches
Auckland Council is urging caution after pieces of asbestos-containing fibre cement board washed ashore at Glendowie Bay, Karaka Bay, and the Tāmaki River. The materials are likely historical construction waste. The council advises the public to report any findings to ensure safe removal.
3 outlets · Tauranga ratepayers urge council to curb 12 per cent rates increase
Submitters at a Tauranga City Council hearing have called for reduced spending to combat a proposed 12 per cent rates rise. Residents expressed frustration during a meeting regarding the council's Annual Plan for 2025/26. Some have requested a focus on basic services and more community facilities in Pāpāmoa.
4 outlets · Gangs responsible for one-third of methamphetamine sales nationwide
A Massey University survey found that gang members are behind 33 per cent of methamphetamine sales in New Zealand. The research shows gang dominance is higher in Northland, the East Coast, and the South Island. Additionally, more people are using social media and messaging apps to buy and sell drugs.
3 outlets · Driver in fatal Martinborough crash dies in hospice care
Alan Leatham, the driver involved in a February collision on Pūruatanga Road, has died in hospice care. The crash killed 48-year-old Alison Robyn Korny and seriously injured three others. A close friend stated that Leatham was deeply affected by remorse following the incident.
+15 outlets · Calder Stewart announces $3 billion inland port development in Otago
Construction firm Calder Stewart has proposed a $3 billion solar-powered inland port north of Milton. The facility is part of the Milburn Quadrant development and is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The project aims to boost export capacity and remove 10,000 heavy truck trips from roads annually by shifting freight to rail.
4 outlets · Government funding cuts to remove kaiāwhina healthcare roles
Approximately 130 healthcare guides known as kaiāwhina will lose their roles from July due to government funding cuts. Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare says the loss of these frontline staff will leave vulnerable patients without dedicated support during complex medical care.
+15 outlets · Waitangi Tribunal hears concerns over new Regulatory Standards Bill
An urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry is examining the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill. Concerns were raised that the legislation could potentially remove Treaty clauses from law by 2026. The Crown argues the bill would not create a legal barrier against Treaty principles.
2 outlets · Proposed $200 million film hub planned for Queenstown
Winton Land Ltd has announced plans to build an all-inclusive film and television production facility near Queenstown. The $200 million Ayrburn Film Hub has been flagged for fast-track approval and is expected to create hundreds of jobs while boosting the local economy.
2 outlets · Auckland lawyer suspended for six months following misconduct campaign
Solicitor Gautam Jindal has been suspended for six months after a standards committee found he engaged in disgraceful and dishonourable conduct. Following a lost civil case, Jindal launched a campaign using a website and leaflets to falsely accuse another lawyer of lying under oath.
3 outlets · McDonald's offers free burgers to people named Brad
McDonald's is giving free Quarter Pounders to registered app users named Brad. The promotion follows a visit to a Kūmeu drive-thru by actor Brad Pitt last month. The offer is available until midnight Sunday.
2 outlets · David Brent Phillips jailed for sexual offending against children
David Brent Phillips has been sentenced to four years in prison for multiple charges involving sexual violation and indecency against children under 12. The 50-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court for sentencing. He had previously served a prison sentence in 2017 for similar offences.
2 outlets · Sentencing adjourned for Auckland teacher who groomed 11-year-old boy
An Auckland primary school teacher has had their sentencing adjourned after pleading guilty to sexually grooming an 11-year-old student. The teacher, who is currently under name suppression, admitted to sending nude photographs and performing indecent acts. The student was contacted via Instagram, Snapchat and Google Docs.
2 outlets · Replacement of Pekatahi Bridge delayed despite tyre damage concerns
The century-old Pekatahi Bridge south of Whakatāne has been removed from an urgent replacement register. Although the wooden plank surface is accused of damaging tyres, officials say the sub-structure remains healthy. Design work for a deck replacement is underway, though it remains subject to funding availability.
2 outlets · New Zealand net migration gain reaches lowest level since 2022
New Zealand recorded its smallest net migration gain in over two years, with a gain of 26,400 for the year ending March. This decrease follows a record loss of approximately 70,000 New Zealanders, with two thirds of those departing heading to Australia.
2 outlets · Chairs and board members appointed for new science research institutes
The chairs of NIWA and GNS Science have been appointed to lead two new research institutes. These organisations are being restructured following government reform plans announced in January. The new ESI board will also include Mary-Anne Macleod as deputy chair and Paul Connell as a director.
3 outlets · Kamahl Santamaria case moved to Employment Court
Former TVNZ presenter Kamahl Santamaria has been granted permission to move his case to the Employment Court. He seeks a faster resolution to his legal issue, stating he has been unable to find work since leaving Breakfast following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
+37 outlets · Community members support Resene workers seeking living wage
Hundreds of people attended a meeting in Naenae to support Resene factory workers campaigning for a living wage. Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand is calling on the company to pay the current rate of $27.80 per hour. Many workers involved are currently earning just above the minimum wage.
2 outlets · Plans released for proposed Waipiro Bay marina project
Azuma and Hoppers have released images for a proposed 250-berth marina, boat ramp, and shops at Waipiro Bay. The developers are seeking fast-track consent for the project. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania has expressed support for local hapū opposing the proposal.
2 outlets · Anko heated elbow wrap recalled due to burn risk
Kmart has recalled the Anko Heated Elbow Wrap after reports of skin burn injuries. The rechargeable product, sold between 1 January and 4 April 2025, may overheat if wrapped too tightly or positioned incorrectly. Product Safety NZ issued the recall for the item with SKU 43463275.
2 outlets · Police seek help identifying man after Christchurch CBD hit-and-run
Police are asking for help to identify a man following a hit-and-run crash in central Christchurch. The incident occurred on 2 April at the intersection of Salisbury and Colombo streets, involving a car and a pedestrian.
2 outlets · Dunedin Gasworks Museum chimney at risk of collapse
Inspections of the 25-metre high chimney at the Dunedin Gasworks Museum have revealed significant damage to its upper sections. The brick structure was damaged by an earthquake in March, which worsened existing cracks. Work to remove the damaged top section is expected to begin later this week.
3 outlets · Raglan boating incidents prompt warnings over bar crossing safety
Two separate boating incidents in Raglan over three days have prompted warnings from the Waikato regional harbourmaster. Six people narrowly avoided serious injury after a small boat capsized near Whale Bay on Thursday and another incident occurred on Sunday. Authorities have cautioned skippers that bar crossings are high-risk activities.
2 outlets · Travel advice updated for New Zealanders travelling to the United States
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advisory for New Zealanders visiting the United States. This follows reports that 17 Kiwis have sought assistance due to immigration difficulties at the US border since November 2024.
4 outlets · Two injured in truck and car crash near Rotorua
A truck and a car collided at the intersection of State Highway 36 and Hamurana Road on Wednesday morning. Police report that one person sustained critical injuries and another sustained serious injuries. Emergency services attended the scene following the 9.15am incident.
2 outlets · Former members claim Two by Twos leaders receive cash gifts
Former members of the Two by Twos religious sect have raised concerns regarding the group's financial transparency. They claim leaders receive cash gifts in envelopes during meetings and do not pay tax. The group is currently being investigated by the FBI for historical child sexual abuse.
3 outlets · ‘Killing us’: Christchurch businesses struggling after road ripped up
A maze of roadworks on a Christchurch street is threatening the survival of local businesses.
2 outlets · Waitangi Tribunal holds urgent hearing on ACT's Regulatory Standards Bill
The Waitangi Tribunal is conducting an urgent inquiry into the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill. Māori and academic leaders have raised concerns regarding the legislation's impact on constitutional rights and the lack of consultation with Māori.
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