Wednesday 28 May 2025

36 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets

  1. Christchurch Hospital nurse assaulted while walking to work

    A nurse was allegedly hit in the back by two people on an electric scooter on Hagley Avenue on Monday night. The incident occurred around 8.20pm while the woman was walking to her shift at Christchurch Hospital. Police are currently investigating the assault.

    NZ HeraldThe PressStuffOtago Daily Times+26 outlets ·
  2. Lorde holds surprise pop-up performance in Auckland CBD

    Singer Lorde performed a surprise, exclusive gig at the YMCA on Vincent Street in Auckland on Wednesday. The event followed cryptic social media posts that prompted fans to gather in the city centre. This comes ahead of her new album, Virgin, which is due for release on 27 June.

    Stuff1NewsNZ HeraldRNZ4 outlets ·
  3. Man arrested after violent Papatoetoe assault leaves woman seriously injured

    A 25-year-old man has been arrested following a violent assault on a woman in Papatoetoe on 9 May. The incident occurred on Sutton Crescent after an argument between the pair. The victim suffered a serious head injury, and the suspect is due to appear in Manukau District Court this Thursday.

    StuffNZ HeraldRNZ1News4 outlets ·
  4. Heavy rain and storms forecast across New Zealand

    A low-pressure system is bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to various regions. MetService has issued warnings for the Bay of Plenty, Northland, and the upper South Island, where up to 110mm of rain is expected. The weather may also cause potential closures for the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

    Stuff1NewsRNZNZ Herald4 outlets ·
  5. Cabinet agrees to scrap hairdressing and barbering regulations

    The Government is set to remove separate hairdressing and barbering regulations following a regulatory review. Minister David Seymour stated the outdated rules are costly and do not improve public health. Instead, industry workers will follow broader health and safety regulations, a move expected to save the sector $1m annually in compliance costs.

    1NewsRNZNZ HeraldOtago Daily Times+26 outlets ·
  6. Police appeal for help after motorcycle taken from fatal crash scene

    Police are seeking witnesses after a motorcycle was allegedly taken from a crash site in Castlecliff on Sunday. A 25-year-old man died following the accident on Seafront Road, where his bike was removed before emergency services arrived. Authorities are asking residents to check CCTV or dashcam footage for information.

    StuffThe PostNZ Herald1News+15 outlets ·
  7. State Highway 5 closed after serious crash near Tarawera

    A car and a truck collided on State Highway 5 near Tarawera around 8.50am. One person is in critical condition and another has sustained serious injuries. The highway is closed in both directions between Te Haroto and Pohokura, with Waka Kotahi stating the road will remain closed for most of the day.

    NZ HeraldStuffRNZ1News4 outlets ·
  8. Family of Palmerston North teen urges people to avoid viral tackle game

    The family of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite is warning others against participating in the social media trend known as 'Run It Straight'. Mr Satterthwaite died in hospital on Monday night following a catastrophic head injury sustained while playing the game in Palmerston North. His uncle has called for the events to be cancelled.

    NZ HeraldRNZOtago Daily Times1News4 outlets ·
  9. Environment Canterbury to lobby for Rangiora to Rolleston commuter train

    Environment Canterbury has voted unanimously to approach KiwiRail regarding a potential passenger rail service. The proposed commuter link would connect Rangiora and Rolleston to Christchurch. The council intends to work with KiwiRail to prepare a business case for the service to support the region's growing population.

    The PressOtago Daily TimesRNZ3 outlets ·
  10. Luxon defends Stanford over comments regarding emails from India

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended Immigration Minister Erica Stanford after she likened unsolicited emails from people in India to "spam". While a community association described her remarks as inappropriate and biased, the Prime Minister stated he is relaxed about the comments and believes she meant no offence.

    NZ HeraldNewsroomRNZ1News4 outlets ·
  11. Automatic gates and security systems affected by 3G shutdown

    The upcoming 3G mobile network shutdown at the end of the year is impacting household products, including security systems and automatic gates. A Christchurch woman faces a nearly $1000 upgrade cost for her gate, while alarm providers may face significant upgrade programmes to prevent systems from failing.

    The PressThe PostWaikato TimesNZ Herald+26 outlets ·
  12. New funding for schools in Greater Christchurch and Selwyn

    Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced a $161 million funding package for schools in the Canterbury region. The investment will deliver three new primary schools in Selwyn and Prebbleton, alongside additional classrooms for 16 schools across the wider area.

    NZ HeraldThe PressRNZ3 outlets ·
  13. Tapanui man identified following fatal vehicle crash

    Police have identified 71-year-old Kenneth David Falconer as the man who died in a crash on Station Road in Tapanui. Mr Falconer was the sole occupant of a ute that struck a garage and caught fire on 23 May. He died at the scene.

    StuffThe PressOtago Daily TimesNZ Herald4 outlets ·
  14. Coroner investigates drowning of seven-year-old boy at Whanganui pool

    A coroner has questioned how lifeguards failed to notice seven-year-old Gerrard-Junior Raunga Williams-Bogileka when he drowned at a Whanganui aquatic centre in 2020. The boy reportedly lost his balance after spinning in a training pool before falling into the water. Two recommendations have been made to the local council.

    NZ HeraldStuffRNZ1News4 outlets ·
  15. Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate to 3.25 per cent

    The Reserve Bank has lowered the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent. This is the third OCR update of 2025 and the lowest level since October 2022. Some banks had already begun reducing their interest rates ahead of the announcement.

    Stuff1NewsRNZ3 outlets ·
  16. Invercargill Mayor delays new procurement policy over diversity concerns

    Mayor Nobby Clark has stalled the adoption of a new procurement policy following concerns regarding a diversity question. The policy would ask businesses if they record diversity data during the tender process, though failure to do so would not result in exclusion. Clark intends to discuss the implications with council staff.

    Otago Daily TimesStuffRNZThe Press4 outlets ·
  17. Selwyn district receives $108 million for new school and classrooms

    The Selwyn district has been allocated $108 million for a new school, 52 additional classrooms and a future school site. Education Minister Erica Stanford made the announcement at Lincoln Primary School following advocacy from local leaders regarding the area's rapid growth.

    RNZThe Press2 outlets ·
  18. Rugby league community distances itself from controversial collision trend

    The rugby league community is distancing itself from the 'run it straight' collision trend following the death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite. The teenager died from a head injury while playing a version of the game, leading to calls to ban the trend.

    StuffRNZOtago Daily TimesNZ Herald4 outlets ·
  19. RNZ declines request to assist Education Ministry leaks investigation

    The Education Ministry has launched an external investigation into recent unauthorised disclosures. The ministry invited RNZ to meet with investigator Michael Heron KC to discuss potential shared information, but the broadcaster has declined the request to assist.

    RNZOtago Daily Times2 outlets ·
  20. Woman vows to pick up controversial flag at Nelson art exhibition

    Ruth Tipu has pledged to pick up a New Zealand flag from the floor of the Suter Art Gallery every day. The artwork, which features the words "Please walk on me", has sparked public debate. Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens has defended the installation's role in challenging perspectives.

    StuffNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  21. Milford Track bookings sell out in approximately 30 minutes

    The Milford Track sold out in roughly 30 minutes on Wednesday morning as bookings opened for the 2025/26 season. Approximately 11,800 people were in the queue for 7,100 available spots. The Department of Conservation stated that the new booking system worked well for the Milford Track and other Great Walks.

    StuffRNZ2 outlets ·
  22. Gold Coast charity offers one-way flights home for struggling Kiwis

    The Nerang Neighbourhood Centre is providing repatriation flights to New Zealanders living on the Gold Coast who have fallen on hard times. These one-way tickets are being offered because New Zealanders are ineligible for certain government support regarding general homelessness.

    StuffRNZNZ Herald1News+15 outlets ·
  23. Father and son recovering after fatal ATV crash in Cambridge

    Rodney Schick and his son Oli are making progress following an ATV accident on a property in Karapiro on 11 May. The crash resulted in the death of 10-year-old Jimmy Schick. Rodney Schick was critically injured in the incident.

    StuffWaikato TimesNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  24. Former Otago Boys' High School teacher found guilty of indecent assault

    David Bond, a 73-year-old former maths teacher, has been convicted of indecently assaulting a student during a school camp. Following a judge-alone trial in the Dunedin District Court, Judge David Robinson found the complainant's evidence to be credible and dismissed Bond's claims of innocence.

    StuffOtago Daily Times2 outlets ·
  25. Millar named in Highlanders squad for final regular season match

    The Highlanders will host the Chiefs at home this Friday night to conclude their Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Coach Jamie Joseph has made only one change to the side, with Millar set to start as the team attempts to avoid finishing in last place.

    Otago Daily TimesNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  26. Trailer released for Pike River film ahead of October release

    A trailer has been released for the upcoming film Pike River, which follows the aftermath of the 2010 mine explosion that killed 29 men. Director Rob Sarkies says the film focuses on the experiences of the families affected by the disaster.

    1NewsStuff2 outlets ·
  27. Wellington car dealer ordered to pay compensation for lending breaches

    El Cheapo Cars has been ordered to pay more than $340,000 in compensation to hundreds of borrowers after failing to disclose key loan information between 2015 and 2021. The Wellington-based firm also received a $115,000 fine after pleading guilty to seven charges brought by the Commerce Commission.

    1NewsNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  28. Rugby games may be cancelled following threat against referee

    The Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Football Union is considering cancelling matches after a referee was threatened with being stabbed. The union expressed deep concern regarding escalating abuse and threats of physical harm directed at match officials.

    StuffOtago Daily Times2 outlets ·
  29. Mayor Tory Whanau criticises Prime Minister over Wellington comments

    Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of "punching down" on the city. The mayor rejected recent comments made by the Prime Minister regarding local government and Wellington. Whanau suggested the remarks were an attempt to distract from the Prime Minister's own failings.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  30. Milton Haig resigns as New Zealand Under-20 head coach

    Milton Haig has stepped down as the New Zealand Under-20 head coach after one month in the role. He cited a lack of alignment with the rest of the coaching staff as the reason for his departure. Haig recently led the team to an Under-20 Rugby Championship title.

    RNZOtago Daily Times2 outlets ·
  31. Details revealed for Wellington Regional Hospital emergency department upgrade

    Health Minister Simeon Brown and Finance Minister Nicola Willis have shared further details regarding a major overhaul of Wellington Regional Hospital. The stage one upgrades will include new treatment spaces, additional beds, and a revamped intensive care unit to better serve patients.

    RNZNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  32. Comancheros member pleads guilty to shooting at former member's family homes

    Patrick Langi has admitted to participating in a revenge plot targeting the family of former Comancheros member Khalid Slaimankhel. Langi and co-defendant Elijah Meyer carried out back-to-back shootings at two homes after Slaimankhel attempted to leave the gang.

    StuffNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  33. Luxon calls for personal responsibility after teenager dies in online game

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite as an absolute tragedy. Mr Luxon said the government cannot ban online trends like the 'run it straight' game, but urged individuals to take personal responsibility. The teenager died from critical injuries following a game played after a 21st birthday party.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  34. New private building consent authority launches in New Zealand

    Building Consent Approvals Ltd has launched as the country's first independent residential building consent authority. The company will initially operate in Canterbury before expanding nationwide, focusing on low-risk projects such as single-storey homes. The service aims to provide approvals in as little as two days.

    The PressStuff1News3 outlets ·
  35. Ruapehu District Council seeks feedback on water services supergroup proposal

    Ruapehu District Council is inviting public feedback on a proposal to form a water services supergroup with neighbouring councils. Mayor Weston Kirton suggests that increasing the scale of the group could lead to a better deal for the district. The council is launching a two-week consultation period regarding the plan.

    The PostWaikato TimesNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  36. New Zealander injured after winning UK cheese rolling race

    Byron Smith won the men's downhill race at Cooper's Hill in England but suffered a broken rib, a collapsed lung, and internal bleeding. Despite his victory, Smith has stated he will not compete in the event again.

    RNZ1News2 outlets ·