Police seek witnesses after woman killed in Hamilton intersection crash
A homicide investigation is underway following the death of 30-year-old Jayde Gilbert in Hamilton on 16 May. Police believe a gold ute struck a traffic light pole she was standing next to at the intersection of Ōhaupō Road and Kahikatea Drive. Officers are seeking witnesses, including a woman in pink who assisted at the scene.
Bus driver charged with manslaughter after alleged Papatoetoe assault
A bus driver has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 61-year-old Peter Te Kira. Te Kira was found with serious head injuries at a Papatoetoe bus stop on 27 April and died in hospital three days later. Police say the two men had interacted prior to the incident.
Auckland man found guilty of attempting multi-million dollar Covid-19 fraud
Hun Min Im has been found guilty at the Auckland District Court of attempting to fraudulently claim millions of dollars through various Covid-era subsidy schemes. Im used forged documents and fake companies to fund a luxury lifestyle. He faced 91 charges relating to attempts to claim between $1.88 million and $2.3 million.
Man charged after South Auckland bus crashes into tree
A 59-year-old man has been summoned to court for careless driving causing injury following a bus crash on 7 May. The accident occurred on Elliot Street in Pahurehure, leaving five students and three others injured. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Former deputy police commissioner granted injunction over objectionable material allegations
Former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been granted an emergency injunction preventing media from reporting the nature of allegedly objectionable material found on his work computer. McSkimming resigned following a four-month investigation into his conduct. The court order prohibits news organisations from publishing specific details regarding the allegations.
Assets restrained after Wellington man arrested in FBI cryptocurrency probe
Police have restrained assets worth between $650,000 and $670,000, including cryptocurrency and cash, following the arrest of a Wellington man. He appeared in court accused of involvement in an international scam that allegedly stole NZD$450 million. The investigation was led by the FBI.
Coroner finds Canterbury priest may have been victim of financial abuse
A coroner has found that Father Geoff Gray's mental health declined due to financial pressures and exploitation. The 82-year-old priest died by suicide in November 2024 after sending approximately $40,000 to individuals in America and Bolivia.
Interislander ferry Aratere to retire from Cook Strait in August
KiwiRail has confirmed the Aratere ferry will retire by 30 August after 25 years of service. The decision aims to prepare Picton for new rail-enabled ferries arriving in 2029. The move may lead to job cuts and reduced passenger and freight capacity.
MBIE to inspect Dunedin student rentals for tenancy compliance
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is inspecting a selection of student flats in Dunedin this week. The inspections aim to ensure landlords are complying with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. This initiative focuses on young renters who may be unaware of their rights.
Luxon rejects concessions on Te Pāti Māori suspensions
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has refused to water down recommendations to suspend three Te Pāti Māori MPs for 21 days. The Privileges Committee recommended the suspensions following a haka in Parliament. The decision could potentially disrupt House proceedings ahead of the upcoming Budget.
Doctors raise concerns over new after-hours healthcare funding
General practice doctors have welcomed government funding for after-hours urgent healthcare but expressed concerns that the amount is light. While the boost aims to support rural and remote communities, doctors are worried about how these services will be staffed due to a lack of trained workers.
Cabinet approves draft of Regulatory Standards Bill for House introduction
Cabinet has approved a draft of the Regulatory Standards Bill to be introduced to the House. Regulation Minister David Seymour aims for the bill to be enacted by early next year. Legal experts and the Waitangi Tribunal have expressed concerns regarding the legislation's potential impact.
Government announces tax changes to attract foreign investment
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a briefing ahead of Budget week. The government plans to set aside between $65 million and $75 million over four years to change tax rules to encourage foreign investment and support start-ups.
Police search for suspect after alleged stabbing in Kaitāia
Police are searching for a suspect following an alleged stabbing and altercation involving a group of people in Kaitāia. Officers cordoned off both ends of Lake Road after being alerted to the incident around 11am on Monday. Investigations are ongoing as police conduct door-to-door enquiries in the area.
Scott McLaughlin unhurt after crash during Indianapolis 500 practice
New Zealand IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin escaped injury after crashing his car into a wall during a pre-qualifying practice session. The Team Penske driver was sent airborne at turn 2 during the session. He has walked away from the incident unscathed.
Government faces funding gap ahead of Budget 2025
Treasury estimates that $2.5 billion is required to maintain current service levels, nearly double the $1.3 billion operating allowance set by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. The upcoming Budget is expected to include limited new spending as the Government seeks to find billions through reprioritisation.
Palmerston North after-hours clinic costs patients over $200 per visit
Patients at a Palmerston North after-hours clinic are facing medical bills exceeding $200. One patient reported paying more than $300 at City Doctors when medication was included. This comes as the government announced a $164 million boost for urgent care services nationwide over the next four years.
Dunedin driver faces charges after road rage and spitting at police
A 23-year-old man faces multiple charges following a road rage incident in Mornington on Saturday morning. After allegedly crashing his vehicle into another car, the man reportedly spat at police officers during his arrest. Police were called to Elgin Road at approximately 1.30am.
Christchurch City Council considers regulations for abandoned supermarket trolleys
Councillors are discussing new regulations to address shopping trolleys being left on footpaths and in rivers. In the year ending last October, staff responded to 6,313 reports of abandoned trolleys across the city. These incidents are reportedly causing a nuisance and costing businesses millions of dollars.
Moana Pasifika defeat Blues in historic Super Rugby Pacific win
Moana Pasifika secured a 27-21 victory over the Blues in Albany on Saturday night. Ardie Savea led the team to their first win against the Blues. Coach Tana Umaga stated that comments from the Blues motivated his side during the match.
Mother criticises investigation delay after baby dies during labour
A woman says she is still dealing with trauma after her midwife left her alone during labour in a rural home without electricity or phone coverage. The Health and Disability Commission has criticised the midwife in a report following the death of the newborn.
Children as young as six forced into slavery after overseas adoption
Children as young as six are being made to work as house slaves after being adopted from overseas. A social worker reported that these children face threats, beatings, and sexual abuse.
Isiah Buchanan and Ahere Gillies on trial for Hastings murder
Isiah Buchanan and Ahere Gillies are facing trial in the Napier High Court for the murder of Javon Aranui. The Crown alleges Aranui suffered multiple kicks and punches during an assault in Hastings in December 2023. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Armed group attacks vehicle in Taradale
An armed group used weapons to smash a vehicle in Taradale while the occupant was inside. The person inside called Hawke’s Bay police for assistance during the attack. Officers arrived to find the car had sustained damage to its windows, mirrors and bumpers.
Government funding for one Otago inland port proposal criticised by MP
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson has described the selection of a single inland port proposal for an $8.2 million loan as a failure of regional planning. The funding was awarded to a Mosgiel-based project, leaving the Clutha mayor frustrated after competing proposals were not coordinated.
Woman sentenced for arson at Parnell lodge
Corena Flavell has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for starting a fire at an Auckland lodge in April 2024. The woman admitted to setting the blaze while under the influence of methamphetamine. The judge noted a high risk of reoffending due to her drug and alcohol issues.
Andrew Little launches campaign for Wellington mayoralty
Andrew Little has formally launched his campaign to become Wellington's mayor. He stated he was persuaded to run by widespread support from across the political spectrum. Little has pledged to work across political lines to unify the council.
Whakatāne mayor seeks community support for second river crossing
Mayor Victor Luca is campaigning for a second bridge to provide an additional river crossing for Whakatāne. He is seeking community backing for the proposal to assist in discussions with the Government. The mayor has been advocating for the new crossing since 2022.
Eleven sites in central North Island renamed following treaty settlement
Tribal place names have been restored to various landmarks following a treaty settlement with the iwi collective Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. The changes, gazetted by the New Zealand Geographic Board, include mountains, a lake, and the newly named Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve.
Rare parasitic plant rediscovered near Wainuiomata
Te pua o te Rēinga, also known as wood rose, has been found in the Wainuiomata water collection area. A Wellington Regional Council contractor discovered the endemic parasitic plant, which had not been seen in the region since 1914.
Police appeal for information in Parakao homicide investigation
Northland police are seeking photos and videos following the death of 55-year-old Geoffrey Wayne Ware. His body was discovered at a rural property off Mangakahia Road in Parakao on 9 May. Investigators are looking for sightings of a man walking on the highway and a ute.
Jacinda Ardern discusses imposter syndrome at Yale graduation
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern addressed Yale University graduates regarding the importance of humility and international cooperation. She spoke about leadership challenges, including New Zealand's response to Covid-19 and Mycoplasma bovis, while urging graduates to embrace imposter syndrome.
Learning support in schools at breaking point, report finds
A report by the Aotearoa Educators' Collective states that learning support in schools has reached a breaking point. The findings highlight broken funding systems and inadequate supervision, with some schools expressing fears regarding the safety of children in their care.
Key carbon capture project faces uncertainty over commercial viability
A major project central to the government's five-year greenhouse gas emission reduction plan is at risk. The owner of the project states it may not proceed because it is not commercially viable.
Snowfall warnings issued for South Island alpine passes
A cold front has brought sub-zero temperatures and snow flurries to parts of the South Island. MetService has issued snowfall warnings for alpine passes, though conditions are expected to dry out later in the week. Meanwhile, rain in the North Island is expected to clear.
Former US President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. According to a statement from his personal office, the cancer has spread to his bones. He is currently reviewing treatment options.
Public consultation opens on future of Western Springs Stadium
Aucklanders can now provide feedback on three proposals regarding the future of Western Springs Stadium. Sir Bryan Williams is supporting a community-driven plan, while the Ponsonby Rugby Club faces losing its long-term home if the site becomes a base for the city's football team.
Max Verstappen wins Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola
Max Verstappen secured a dominant victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy, marking Red Bull's 400th race entry. New Zealand driver Liam Lawson finished 14th for Racing Bulls after starting the race in 15th position.




























