Three teenage girls charged after serious assault in Papatoetoe
Three teenage girls have appeared in youth court following a serious assault on a young woman in a Papatoetoe car park on Thursday night. Police were alerted to the incident by a nearby business at approximately 9.45pm. Footage of the attack has been circulating on social media.
+15 outlets · Proposal to rename Russell to Kororāreka has been declined
The New Zealand Geographic Board has rejected a proposal by the Kororāreka Marae Society to officially change the Northland township's name to Kororāreka. Minister for Land Information Chris Penk made the decision following public consultation. Of more than 1,800 submissions received, 52% supported the change while 48% were against it.
+15 outlets · Crusaders defeat Highlanders in Christchurch Super Rugby Pacific match
The Crusaders secured a narrow victory against the Highlanders at Apollo Projects Stadium. Sevu Reece set a Super Rugby Pacific career try-scoring record during the match, which was decided after Cameron Millar missed a penalty attempt at full-time.
4 outlets · Driver dies after ute crashes into garage and catches fire
A driver has died at the scene after their vehicle crashed into a garage and caught fire on Station Rd in Tapanui. The single-vehicle accident occurred on Friday afternoon. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
4 outlets · Police seize nearly 400kg of cannabis in Kumeū drug raids
Police have shut down several large-scale drug operations in Kumeū and northwest Auckland over the past week. The raids resulted in the seizure of nearly 400kg of cannabis and 40g of cocaine. Three people have been arrested following the execution of search warrants at the grow houses.
4 outlets · Dengue fever outbreak declared in Rarotonga
The Cook Islands government has declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga following the confirmation of two new cases. Total cases have reached seven, prompting the launch of Operation Namu25, which includes community clean-up efforts. The Health Ministry noted that recent rain and humidity have increased mosquito activity.
4 outlets · Former deputy commissioner denies inappropriate firearms vetting allegations
Jevon McSkimming has strongly denied allegations that he acted inappropriately regarding the firearms licence vetting process. He resigned as deputy commissioner last Monday during a four-month investigation by the police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority. Police say the matter is being looked into as part of a wider ongoing investigation.
4 outlets · Christchurch's McLean's Mansion put up for sale
The 125-year-old Jacobean mansion is being sold after James Wallace abandoned plans to fund its full restoration. The 53-room wooden building is currently 90% restored and requires a buyer to complete the remaining work.
+15 outlets · Hurricanes secure Super Rugby Pacific playoff berth with win over Reds
The Hurricanes defeated the Reds 31-27 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This victory marks the Hurricanes' tenth consecutive win against the Reds and moves them into the top four of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
3 outlets · Police seek help locating missing Wellington man
Police and family are increasingly concerned for the safety of Michael, who has been missing since Monday. He was last seen on CCTV at the intersection of Bouverie and Udy streets in Petone at approximately 2.45pm on 19 May.
3 outlets · Heroin found in white powder sold as benzodiazepine in Auckland
A white powder being sold as a benzodiazepine in Auckland has been found to contain heroin. High Alert warned that users face a high risk of serious harm or death. The substance was tested by the New Zealand Drug Foundation and ESR.
3 outlets · Fire under control at Auckland CBD building under construction
Firefighters responded to a blaze on the 16th floor of a Wakefield Street building in central Auckland on Friday. Approximately 60 firefighters and 15 trucks attended the scene at its peak to manage the fire and smoke logging. Emergency services have since brought the blaze under control.
3 outlets · Mother pleads for truth following death of 15-year-old Napier teen
Kym Baker is urging anyone with information regarding the death of her son, Kaea Karauria, to come forward. The teenager died from fatal stab wounds following a party in Onekopa. Police have not yet located those responsible for the killing.
4 outlets · KiwiSaver contribution rates to increase as government cuts funding
The government will increase default employee and employer KiwiSaver contribution rates from 3% to 4% by April 2028. Simultaneously, annual government contributions will be halved, a move expected to save $2.46 billion over four years. Advocates and providers warn these changes may disproportionately affect women and low-income workers.
3 outlets · Budget 2025 introduces KiwiSaver changes and means-testing for some benefits
The Government has announced Budget 2025 changes that include increasing KiwiSaver contribution rates and introducing income-testing for the Best Start payment. While most savers may benefit from the KiwiSaver adjustments, commentators have questioned why NZ Super eligibility remains unchanged while support for younger people is being means-tested.
3 outlets · Costco butter sells out despite purchase limits at Auckland store
Shoppers queued outside Costco Auckland on Friday morning for Kirkland Signature butter priced at $9.99 per kilogram. Despite a limit of 30 blocks per member introduced on Thursday, the product sold out in less than half an hour.
3 outlets · Government allocates funding for Nelson Hospital redevelopment
Budget 2025 includes funding over the next four years to continue the Nelson Hospital rebuild. The project involves refurbishing two major blocks and constructing a new 128-bed inpatient building by 2029. Local leaders remain divided on whether the announcement is positive for the community.
3 outlets · More teachers and learning support staff promised in Budget 2025
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that full-time equivalent teaching and support roles will increase by over 1,600 by 2028. A $747 million boost for learning support has been described as a breakthrough by principals, despite some cuts in other education spending areas.
3 outlets · Government reveals fiscal plan in Budget 2025
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has presented the government's Budget 2025, which includes various cuts, savings, and new spending. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the plan a "Growth Budget", while the Labour Party has criticised how it is being funded.
2 outlets · Run It Straight holds Sylvia Park event following South Auckland cancellations
Run It Straight hosted a giveaway and meet and greet at Sylvia Park on Thursday night. The event followed the cancellation of two South Auckland events, which the group claims were prevented by Auckland Council. Council officials have denied these claims, stating that no permit requests were submitted.
3 outlets · Hamilton woman jailed for assaulting children
Sharyn Ngariki has been sentenced to prison following admissions to multiple charges, including assault with a weapon and strangulation. The 31-year-old also admitted to unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges involved the physical abuse of children, including one instance where a child was thrown into a wall.
2 outlets · Christchurch Parakiore sports centre expected to cost $500 million
The Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre in central Christchurch is expected to cost approximately $500 million, which is more than double the original forecast. The project is currently delayed and is due to be completed in October.
3 outlets · Police investigate homicide after man found dead in Horeke
A homicide investigation is underway at a rural property on Waikerikeri Road in Horeke. A 77-year-old man was found with critical injuries and has since died. A 73-year-old man is currently in custody on unrelated charges as investigators examine the scene.
2 outlets · Auckland Korean restaurant Tokki to close after three years
Upmarket Korean restaurant Tokki has announced it will permanently close its Milford doors. The business stated it is stepping away to make space for new beginnings. The restaurant's final day of service is scheduled for Saturday, 21 June.
2 outlets · Police investigate death of 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe
Northland Police are investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl found unresponsive at a Kaikohe property on Wednesday evening. A post-mortem has been conducted, and authorities are awaiting results to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
2 outlets · Two men charged after firearms incident in Gisborne
Two men, aged 29 and 50, have been arrested following a firearms incident on Collins Street in Gisborne on Friday morning. Police responded to reports of damaged vehicles and a firearm being shown at residents. The men face charges and are due to appear in Gisborne District Court tomorrow.
2 outlets · Confusion over police directive regarding low-value crime investigations
A nationwide police directive to staff suggests that allegations of shoplifting under $500, petrol drive-offs under $150, and online fraud under $1000 will no longer be investigated. Police have stated they will continue to investigate all crimes regardless of their value, despite the confusion caused by the memo.
2 outlets · Vandalism at Chatham Islands airport causes $75,000 in damage
A group of young men caused $75,000 in damage to a plane and runway lights at the Chatham Islands airport. The incident disrupted local supply chains, delaying seafood exports and the delivery of essential groceries. A judge described the group's actions as a stupid mistake that put the community at risk.
2 outlets · Two-year-old girl named as victim in Rotorua crash
Sakura Hall has been identified as the two-year-old girl who died in a vehicle collision on Dansey Rd in Ngongotahā Valley on Thursday morning. The crash involved a car and a rubbish truck, leaving two other people injured. Police were called to the scene shortly before 8am.
2 outlets · Auckland driver arrested after pellet gun fired at vehicle
A man has been taken into custody following an incident on Beachcroft Avenue in Onehunga on Friday afternoon. Police are investigating reports that a pellet gun was fired at another car after a tailgating incident, resulting in a cracked front-left passenger window.
2 outlets · Regulatory Standards Bill passes first reading in Parliament
The Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its first reading in the House. The legislation aims to assess proposed and existing laws against established principles. It will now proceed to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee for consideration.
3 outlets · Health New Zealand reveals bed cuts for new Dunedin Hospital
Health New Zealand has released a breakdown of bed numbers for the new Dunedin Hospital project. The figures show that the number of rehabilitation beds will be reduced by half compared to the original business case. The project previously faced pauses due to budget concerns.
2 outlets · Police investigate driver who allegedly brandished knife at Tauranga motorist
Police are working to identify a driver who allegedly brandished a knife at another motorist in Tauranga. The victim reported being chased and confronted by the aggressive driver. Inspector Logan Marsh stated the matter is being taken seriously.
2 outlets · How snails and oysters transitioned from cheap protein to luxury foods
Once consumed by lower classes as an affordable protein source, snails and oysters are now recognised globally as luxury items. While snails have been eaten since the Palaeolithic period, these foods have evolved from common staples into symbols of high-end gastronomy.
2 outlets · KiwiRail proposes 70 job cuts as Aratere ferry retirement approaches
The Maritime Union says KiwiRail is proposing to cut 70 jobs in the Aratere ferry's catering and deck departments. The ship is expected to be retired by the end of August to allow for new port infrastructure construction in Picton. New rail-enabled ferries are not scheduled to arrive until 2029.
+15 outlets · Electric surfboard catches fire at Sumner Beach
Firefighters were called to Sumner Beach on Friday after reports of a fire near the shore. While initially thought to involve a jet ski, crews discovered an electric surfboard on fire. Fire and Emergency officials believe an electrical fault may have caused the incident.
2 outlets · Mobile Planet employee avoids conviction after attempting to AirDrop nude photo
A 27-year-old former employee at an Auckland Sylvia Park phone repair kiosk has been granted a discharge without conviction. The man admitted to accessing a customer's iPhone to attempt to send himself an intimate photo. The judge also granted permanent name suppression to protect the man's safety.
2 outlets · Police warn of rising gas califont thefts from Auckland building sites
Police are urging residents in northern Auckland to secure construction sites following an increase in gas califont thefts. Senior Sergeant Roger Small noted that these units are being stolen from new builds and are being sold online.
2 outlets · National median rents fall for second consecutive month
Median weekly rents in New Zealand decreased by 0.8% in April, matching a decline seen in March. While Wellington saw rental prices fall across the board, Hawke’s Bay reached a record high median rent of $670 per week.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori co-leaders absent from Budget debate
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer missed the Budget debate on Tuesday. Their absence occurred despite the Government delaying a vote regarding the potential suspension of the co-leaders and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke from the House.
2 outlets · New Zealand born man avoids deportation from Australia
Hoane Joseph Kahu, 41, will be permitted to stay in Australia despite a 2005 conviction for raping a 15-year-old girl. The New Zealand-born man, who has lived in Australia since age four, was granted this reprieve to provide care for family members.
3 outlets · Researchers challenge UNICEF report on New Zealand youth suicide rates
University of Auckland experts are disputing a UNICEF report claiming New Zealand's youth suicide rate is three times the international average for high-income nations. The researchers state that the figures presented in the global charity's report are incorrect.
2 outlets · Income testing of Best Start tax credit to affect 61,000 families
Approximately 61,000 families will be worse off due to changes to the Best Start tax credit. A regulatory impact statement shows that income-testing the credit during a baby's first year will result in these losses, though savings are being redirected into the Working for Families scheme.
2 outlets · Police find cannabis during breath testing stop in East Auckland
More than 4kg of cannabis was discovered in a vehicle during a routine breath testing checkpoint on Dawson Rd in Clover Park. Officers stopped the car just after 6:30pm on Thursday evening after noticing a strong smell. An alleged drunk driver has been charged following the incident.
2 outlets · Tenancy Tribunal rules landlord cannot evict tenant over brothel allegations
A landlord in central Auckland was unable to evict a tenant despite claims that the apartment was being used as a brothel. The tenant denied running a commercial business, stating instead that he had been approached by women in the building's lift offering sexual services.
2 outlets · Government releases Budget 2025 focused on economic growth
The Coalition Government has released its 2025 Budget, which includes a $6.6 billion tax break for businesses. While Finance Minister Nicola Willis aims to balance fiscal discipline with future investment, some analysts suggest the tax breaks may only produce marginal economic growth.
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