Two arrested after vehicle rams cars during South Auckland pursuit
Two people have been arrested following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle that began in Takanini and ended near Ramarama. During the incident, the driver allegedly rammed a police car and several other vehicles. The pursuit was tracked by an Eagle helicopter along the Southern Motorway.
+15 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after woman dies in Hamilton car crash
Police have opened a homicide inquiry following the death of a 30-year-old woman in Melville, Hamilton, on Thursday morning. The woman died after a vehicle struck a power pole she was standing next to at the corner of Ohaupo Road and Kahikatea Drive. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident.
+15 outlets · Former deputy commissioner selling properties during criminal investigation
Jevon McSkimming is selling properties while facing a criminal investigation and an IPCA probe into misconduct allegations. The former deputy commissioner resigned following a suspension after objectionable material was allegedly found on his work computer. The IPCA is also reviewing how senior police officers handled the original allegations.
+15 outlets · Te Pāti Māori MPs face suspension over protest haka
Parliament's Privileges Committee has recommended unprecedented punishments for three Te Pāti Māori MPs following a protest haka. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer face 21-day suspensions without pay, while Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke faces a seven-day suspension. Committee chair Judith Collins cited a lack of civility as the reason for the decision.
+15 outlets · Oranga Tamariki must urgently improve social services contracting
The Auditor-General has released an inquiry finding Oranga Tamariki was poorly prepared for its 2024/25 contracting round. The report states the agency does not know how funding decisions affected vulnerable children, which has harmed public confidence. Acting chief executive Andrew Bridgman says improvements have been made.
+15 outlets · Peter Huljich revealed as businessman convicted of insider trading
Auckland businessman Peter Huljich has been identified as the Pushpay executive convicted of insider trading in 2023. Following the dismissal of his appeal by the Court of Appeal, Huljich has indicated he intends to take his case to the Supreme Court.
+15 outlets · Fire destroys thousands of hay bales in Winslow near Ashburton
Firefighters have been battling a large blaze at an agricultural contracting yard in Winslow since late Wednesday night. The fire destroyed approximately 14,000 hay bales stored in two sheds. Fire and Emergency investigators will examine the cause of the incident.
4 outlets · Nicola Willis announces $190m Social Investment Fund
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled a new $190 million Social Investment Fund during a pre-Budget speech. The fund is the centrepiece of a $275 million four-year commitment intended to transform social service delivery for vulnerable New Zealanders.
+15 outlets · Ashburton teacher's registration cancelled over treatment of pupils
The Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal has cancelled Wendy Hopwood's teaching registration following conduct at Tinwald School between 2019 and 2021. Hopwood was found to have mocked students with learning disabilities, used profanity, and destroyed pupils' artwork and workbooks.
4 outlets · Minister van Velden meets with Council of Trade Unions
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden held a half-hour meeting with the Council of Trade Unions following recent pay equity changes. The union has accused the minister of avoiding responsibility regarding the new legislation, which requires 33 existing claims to be restarted.
4 outlets · Labour defends referencing controversial column in Parliament
Labour has rejected claims of poor political judgment after referencing a column containing a slur during a pay equity debate. While some members defended the move, leader Chris Hipkins admitted the incident caused a distraction from the legislative issue.
+15 outlets · Takahē and tuatara filmed in encounter on Tiritiri Matangi Island
A Department of Conservation ranger has captured rare footage of a takahē and a tuatara appearing to fight on the bush floor. The encounter took place on the pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island near Auckland. The video shows the takahē seemingly attacking the reptile during the interaction.
4 outlets · Auckland man arrested following series of Lego thefts
A 39-year-old man has been arrested in West Auckland for allegedly stealing valuable Lego sets. The thefts spanned from Whangārei to Te Rapa and were investigated by the Waitematā West Enquiries Team. The suspect faces charges of theft and obtaining by deception.
4 outlets · Wellington woman to be extradited to Australia over theft charges
Marion Joan Pearson has lost a legal battle to prevent her extradition to Australia. The former financial adviser faces 136 theft charges involving more than A$4 million. The Supreme Court refused her application for leave to appeal, meaning she will return to face trial.
3 outlets · Minister uses profanity in Parliament to protest against misogyny
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden used a profanity during question time to protest a newspaper column that targeted her and other female ministers. The incident has sparked debate regarding the word's offensiveness and marks the first recorded use of the slur in Parliamentary transcripts since 1990.
3 outlets · Serious Fraud Office launches campaign and tool to combat foreign bribery
The Serious Fraud Office has introduced a national campaign and a new encrypted online platform to encourage the reporting of suspected foreign bribery. Director Karen Chang stated that detecting such bribery often relies on information from insiders. The initiative follows an OECD report warning against complacency regarding bribery.
3 outlets · Food prices rise at fastest rate in over a year
Food prices increased by 3.7 per cent in the 12 months to April, according to Stats NZ. The rise was driven by increases across all five food groups, with butter, milk, and cheese prices seeing significant growth.
3 outlets · Median house price falls to $781,000 in April
The median house price fell by 1.1% to $781,000 in April, according to the Real Estate Institute. Acting chief executive Rowan Dixon noted the market slowed due to public holidays and cooler weather. In the Wellington region, the average house price has decreased by 5.5% over the last year to $775,000.
3 outlets · New Zealand has highest child suicide rate among wealthy nations
A UNICEF report shows New Zealand has the highest suicide rate for children among 36 wealthy countries. The nation also ranked last for child and youth mental health and second highest for rates of bullying.
+15 outlets · Britomart station reopens following evacuation and fire alarm fault
Auckland's Britomart train station was evacuated on Thursday morning after a fire alarm was triggered. Fire and Emergency crews attended the scene, which was later identified as a false alarm. While the station has reopened, passengers should expect delays and cancellations across the train network.
3 outlets · Firefighters extinguish scrub fire at Wairoa landfill
A scrub fire near the Wairoa landfill was extinguished after burning since Thursday afternoon. Crews from Wairoa, Gisborne, and Mahia attended the blaze, which was reported around 4.30pm. Fire and Emergency NZ stated the fire was contained on Thursday night.
2 outlets · America's Cup to be hosted in Naples in 2027
Defenders Team New Zealand have chosen Naples, Italy, to host the 38th America's Cup in 2027. This marks the first time the event will be sailed in Italy, with racing set to take place along the coastline between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo.
2 outlets · Search continues for missing Dunedin man
Police and specialist agencies, including the national dive squad and surf lifesaving, are searching for a Dunedin man named Murray. He was last seen in Port Chalmers on Saturday morning. Search efforts have focused on the area between Deborah Bay and Taiaroa Heads.
2 outlets · Nelson man receives seventh drink-driving conviction
Marcus Phillips has been convicted of drink-driving after driving 200 metres to a Richmond liquor store for cigarettes. Staff at the store refused to serve him due to his level of intoxication. This marks the man's seventh conviction for drink-driving.
3 outlets · Stanford and Radhakrishnan clash over email remark in Parliament
Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan has accused Immigration Minister Erica Stanford of portraying migrants negatively. The dispute follows a parliamentary exchange on 6 May regarding the confirmation of emails related to the minister's portfolios.
2 outlets · Health NZ confirms 377 job cuts across five departments
Health NZ has confirmed the reduction of 377 roles within its procurement, planning and funding, auditing, Hauora Māori, and Pacific health departments. The organisation stated the cuts aim to create a sustainable healthcare future. Some changes remain on hold due to ongoing legal action by the Public Service Association.
4 outlets · Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku wins Ockham New Zealand Book Award for non-fiction
Professor Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku has won the non-fiction category at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. She described her ability to recall the past as a gift and expressed a desire for more writers who can utilise memory to foster Māori creativity.
2 outlets · Qantas to launch new Auckland to Adelaide direct flights
Qantas has announced a new seasonal non-stop service between Auckland and Adelaide. The route will operate four times a week using a Boeing 737-800, running from 31 October 2025 until 3 May 2026.
2 outlets · Hearing paused for Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray helipad application
A resource consent hearing for a proposed helipad at Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray's Westmere property has been adjourned for two weeks. The hearing saw tension between the panel chair and the Tree Council, while the majority of public submissions were opposed to the application.
2 outlets · Coroner finds experienced tramper died after accidental fall in Wairarapa
Terrence Elliott, an experienced tourist from Ireland, died from chest injuries after falling in steep, wet terrain in Tararua Forest Park in January 2023. A coroner determined the death was accidental, noting that the tramper had strayed from the track before the fall occurred.
2 outlets · West Coast mayors welcome new anti-abuse toolkit for women in office
Grey District mayor Tania Gibson has welcomed a new online toolkit released by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg. The resource is designed to help women in public office combat harassment and abuse. Mrs Gibson advised potential council candidates for the September elections to prepare for personal abuse in advance.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins takes responsibility for MP's use of offensive term
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accepted responsibility after one of his MPs quoted a newspaper column during Question Time. The column used a derogatory term to describe female ministers. Hipkins addressed reporters at Parliament on Thursday regarding the incident.
2 outlets · State Highway 2 closed near Pahīatua after serious two-vehicle crash
A two-car crash occurred on State Highway 2, south of Pahīatua, at approximately 3pm on Thursday. Police have reported that the incident resulted in serious injuries. The road has been closed and traffic is being diverted at Bridge Street.
2 outlets · Police investigate ramraid at Temuka petrol station
Police are investigating a ramraid at the GAS Temuka petrol station in the early hours of Thursday morning. The incident caused extensive damage to the shopfront, including mangled glass panes. Officers have located the vehicle used in the raid, while two people remain at large.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins calls Labour question mistake after parliamentary incident
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has admitted it was a mistake to quote a controversial newspaper column during Parliament. The question, asked by MP Jan Tinetti, led to the use of a profanity. Hipkins stated the incident has become a distraction from discussions regarding Government pay equity changes.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for New Zealand this weekend
MetService has warned of wet and windy conditions moving across the country. Heavy rain watches are in place for parts of the South Island's west, including Buller and certain lake headwaters, while a strong wind watch has been issued for the Canterbury high country.
2 outlets · Police attend report of injured person in Mt Eden
Police responded to an address on Milton Road in Mt Eden on Thursday midday following reports of an injured person. Officers attended the scene, but they stated the report could not be substantiated and they are unaware of anyone being injured.
2 outlets · Treasury grants accreditation to several groups for Budget lock-up
Treasury has reversed its decision to exclude certain organisations from next week's Budget lock-up. Following a legal threat from the Taxpayers' Union, the Council of Trade Unions and other groups have been granted accreditation to attend the event.
2 outlets · Police condemn rumours following deaths of two children in Cambridge
Waikato Police have asked the public to stop spreading untrue theories following the deaths of two children in Cambridge last weekend. A 14-year-old girl died in a house fire on Saturday, while a 10-year-old boy died in an all-terrain vehicle crash on Sunday.
3 outlets · Seoras Martin-Smith sentenced for indecent communications and child exploitation images
Seoras Martin-Smith has been sentenced after meeting an overseas teenager on Discord in early 2022. He sent the victim nude images and engaged in a campaign of manipulation and threats after she ended contact. The charges involve indecent communications and the possession of child exploitation images.
3 outlets · Auckland boy denied age-grade rugby due to weight limits
A nine-year-old boy in Auckland has reportedly been unable to play rugby with his friends because he exceeded weight limits. The Year 4 student has since opted out of all winter sports this year. His family had previously applied for a weight dispensation for the 2025 season.
2 outlets · Department of Conservation opens bookings for 2025/26 Great Walks season
The Department of Conservation has opened bookings for the 2025/26 season, including backcountry huts, cabins, and lodges. Initial availability includes the Heaphy, Kepler, Rakiura, and Hump Ridge tracks, with Heaphy Track bookings opening on 15 May.
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