Pedestrian dies after being struck by a car in Christchurch
A man has died in hospital following a car accident on Halswell Road in Christchurch. The pedestrian was critically injured around 10.45am on May 23 and passed away the following day. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
+15 outlets · Severe thunderstorms and high winds forecast for upper North Island
A low-pressure system from the Tasman Sea is bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and wind gusts of up to 110km/h to the upper North Island. Red severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the Far North and Kaipara, with the possibility of tornadoes and marble-sized hail.
4 outlets · McDonald's granted resource consent for new Ōrākei restaurant
An independent panel has approved McDonald's application to build a 24-hour drive-through restaurant at 152 Kepa Rd in Ōrākei. The proposal faced significant opposition from the Auckland Council and local residents, with 331 submissions filed against the development.
+15 outlets · Teen charged after alleged $10,000 shoplifting spree in Auckland
A 17-year-old has been charged following an alleged shoplifting spree across Auckland. Police say the theft, which included meat products, is valued at more than $10,000. The teenager was tracked down after allegedly taking approximately $800 worth of groceries from a Manukau supermarket last Saturday.
4 outlets · NZ-led task force seizes $1 billion worth of drugs
A New Zealand-led naval task force has intercepted $1 billion worth of narcotics in the North Arabian Sea. During the operation, the British Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster seized one tonne of heroin, 660kg of hashish and 6kg of amphetamine from a suspicious cargo dhow.
4 outlets · Government opens consultation on major Resource Management Act reforms
The Government has released discussion documents for public feedback regarding sweeping changes to the Resource Management Act. The proposed reforms aim to simplify regulations for sectors including infrastructure, freshwater, housing, and agriculture.
+15 outlets · Lawyer defends helipad application for Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray were absent from a hearing regarding their proposed helipad at a Westmere property. Their lawyer described community concerns about the project as alarmist and unhelpful. The hearing was the final opportunity for the applicants to satisfy independent commissioners.
4 outlets · Nelson art gallery removes controversial New Zealand flag artwork
The Suter Art Gallery has removed Diane Prince's artwork, Flagging the Future, from public view. The piece featured a New Zealand flag with the words "please walk on me". The gallery cited safety concerns and an escalation in the nature of public debate as reasons for the decision.
4 outlets · Erica Stanford regrets remarks comparing Indian emails to spam
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has expressed regret for comparing unsolicited emails from people in India to spam during a parliamentary session on 6 May. The comments drew criticism from Indian politicians and New Zealand's Labour Party. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the minister could have expressed herself better.
3 outlets · New Zealander Shan-Le Kearns killed in Ukraine
Twenty-six-year-old Shan-Le Kearns has died in Ukraine. His family stated he was trained to rescue injured soldiers rather than fighting on the front line. His mother reported that a drone dropped a grenade on him, and it may take at least six months to recover his body.
4 outlets · IPCA recommends new interview training following review of police technique
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has called for improved interview training after reviewing the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers apologised after the technique was described as manipulative and inconsistent with best practices. Police have accepted the findings and are implementing recommendations.
3 outlets · Logan Park High School reveals nearly $365,000 was misappropriated
Logan Park High School informed parents that nearly $365,000 was misappropriated by one person over a five-year period. The issue was identified by an external accountant in 2024. The school's board of trustees stated that the full amount has been recovered.
4 outlets · Whitby woman claims $17.2 million Lotto Powerball prize
An anonymous grandmother from Whitby has won a $17.2 million Powerball prize. She purchased the winning ticket at New World Whitby while on a walk with her grandson. The winner intends to use the funds to pay off mortgages and support future generations.
3 outlets · Murder charge dismissed in Karori death case
A High Court judge has dismissed a charge against a 41-year-old woman accused of inciting the 2020 shooting murder of Rau Tongia in Karori. The judge ruled that the Crown's evidence was not safe enough for a jury to convict. The woman remains under permanent name suppression.
3 outlets · Man critically injured in violent assault in Māngere
A person was left in critical condition following an extremely violent assault on Bader Drive near the Māngere Town Centre early Thursday morning. Police say an altercation occurred around 1.40am, and a 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
3 outlets · Elon Musk leaves role as special government employee
Elon Musk has announced he is ending his role as a special government employee for the Trump administration. A White House official confirmed the departure, stating that his off-boarding process was set to begin on Wednesday night. Musk was tasked with reducing federal government spending.
3 outlets · One person injured after bus hits parked truck in Palmerston North
A person sustained moderate injuries after a bus crashed into a stationary truck on Mihaere Drive in Kelvin Grove on Thursday morning. Emergency services attended the scene around 7:50am, and the injured individual was taken to Palmerston North Hospital. The bus was subsequently towed from the site.
3 outlets · Wellington mayoral candidate appears in court for driving charge
Graham Bloxham appeared in Wellington District Court charged with failing to stop for police. While Bloxham admitted to using his phone while driving, he denied the charge of failing to stop. He has been remanded for two weeks to allow for further discussions with his lawyer.
3 outlets · State Highway 25 closed on Coromandel Peninsula due to slips
State Highway 25, also known as Thames Coast Road, is closed between Ruamahunga and Tapu following two overnight slips. Large rocks have fallen onto the road, and NZTA advises motorists to use a detour via Whitianga.
3 outlets · Canterbury school sells 10,000 blocks of butter for fundraising
Leithfield School - Te Kura o Kōwai has sold more than 10,000 blocks of butter to raise funds. The primary school north of Christchurch is selling 250g blocks for $4 instead of traditional items like chocolate or cookies.
4 outlets · Fonterra head attributes rising butter prices to global demand
Fonterra's chief executive says international demand is driving up butter prices, despite consumer frustration. The company reported an 11 per cent profit increase to $1.08 billion for the nine months ended April. The co-operative stated it must reflect market trends to provide returns for its farmer owners.
+37 outlets · Rowing NZ investigates elite rower arrested for assault in US
Rowing NZ has launched an independent inquiry following the arrest of elite rower Zack Rumble in the United States. Rumble, a member of the men's team, was allegedly involved in an assault during a post-regatta celebration at the Seattle Yacht Club. He missed his flight home after being taken into police custody.
3 outlets · Rotorua Lakes Council reduces Tarawera sewerage scheme costs
Rotorua Lakes Council has lowered the projected costs for the Tarawera sewerage scheme. While the price for Lake Tarawera homeowners has been reduced, the reduction was less significant than some residents had expected. Previous estimates suggested households would collectively pay approximately $20 million of the $32.3 million total cost.
2 outlets · Family urges influencers to condemn Run It trend after teen's death
The parents of Ryan Satterthwaite, who died following a tackle game in Palmerston North, are calling for sports stars and influencers to speak out against the Run It craze. They believe a community-wide effort is necessary to warn others about the risks associated with the trend.
2 outlets · Ahere Gillies and Isaiah Buchanan found guilty of manslaughter
Ahere Gillies and Isaiah Buchanan have been found guilty of manslaughter in the High Court at Napier. The pair were involved in the death of Javon Aranui, who sustained 16 head injuries during a beating on a Hastings street in December 2023.
2 outlets · Brad Pitt photographed in Glenorchy for GQ magazine cover
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has been photographed in the South Island for a GQ magazine cover story. The shoot took place in the Glenorchy area, where Pitt is also filming a new movie titled Heart of the Beast.
2 outlets · Lorde makes surprise appearance at Aotearoa Music Awards
Singer Lorde appeared on the red carpet at the Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland following the release of a new music video. The artist also discussed her upcoming album, Virgin, and hinted at a potential future tour.
2 outlets · Whanganui District Council proposes 2.2 per cent rates increase
Whanganui District Council is planning an average rates increase of 2.2 per cent for the 2025/26 year. Mayor Andrew Tripe believes this may be the lowest increase in the country. The draft Annual Plan is expected to go before the council for adoption in June.
2 outlets · New Zealander jailed for two years after civil case finding
Donald McPherson has been sentenced to two years in prison for contempt of court. A UK civil case found the Takapuna-born man unlawfully killed his wife, Paula Leeson, in Denmark in 2017. He also failed to disclose secret life insurance policies worth $7.9 million.
2 outlets · Woman sentenced for careless driving causing mother's death
Tracey Nickel has been sentenced to community work and a driving disqualification following a crash on State Highway 2 in Wellington. The woman rear-ended a vehicle after a momentary distraction, resulting in the death of her 92-year-old mother, Jill Nickel, four days later.
2 outlets · Partner of Australian diplomat avoids conviction for assault in Wellington
A 38-year-old man has escaped conviction for spitting in a woman's face during a drunken incident in Wellington. Police had to wait for the Australian Government to waive his diplomatic immunity before charges could be brought. A judge described the incident as low-level offending.
3 outlets · Extra funding announced for Taranaki Base Hospital rebuild
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a $59.2 million funding boost for the second stage of the Taranaki Base Hospital redevelopment. The additional money aims to address construction cost inflation and ensure the project is completed by the end of the year.
2 outlets · Late autopilot disengagement likely caused Air New Zealand plane to veer off runway
A report released today suggests a late switch from autopilot to manual control and heavy rain contributed to an Air New Zealand flight veering off the runway at Auckland Airport in January 2023. The incident caused damage to the landing gear and runway lights, though no injuries were reported.
2 outlets · Police conduct pre-planned operation in South Taranaki
Armed officers are attending a pre-planned police operation in South Taranaki. Road cordons and diversions have been established in Normanby, located approximately 6 kilometres north of Hāwera, as a precaution.
2 outlets · Expert questions government claim of record health investment
Professor Tim Tenbensel has challenged the government's assertion of a record health budget allocation. He suggests the $31 billion figure represents only a 3.6 per cent increase compared to actual spending in the previous year. The expert claims the real increase is significantly lower than what ministers have stated.
2 outlets · Primary sector reacts to new horticultural product approval targets
Industry representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with government targets aimed at reducing queues for agricultural and horticultural product approvals. These targets follow a review indicating that current processes have not always allowed timely access to products under existing legislation.
2 outlets · Person in critical condition after Māngere bus stop incident
A person was taken to hospital in critical condition following an incident on Bader Drive in Māngere early Thursday morning. Emergency services were notified of the event at 2:26am, and police remain at the scene.
2 outlets · Man tasered by police after brandishing knife in St Kilda
A 20-year-old man was tasered by police in St Kilda, Dunedin, after allegedly threatening a woman with a knife. The incident began around 5am on Thursday when a woman reported a man hitting her vehicle. Police say the man was carrying six knives at the time of his arrest.
2 outlets · Information provided for the King's Birthday public holiday
A public holiday will be observed this Monday to commemorate King Charles III's birthday. Information is available regarding business operating hours and the process for selecting royal honours.
2 outlets · Ōhauiti residents seek second access for new Pukemapu subdivision
Residents in Ōhauiti are concerned that a new 200-home development at Pukemapu will worsen existing traffic issues. They are requesting a second access point for the subdivision to ease congestion. However, the Tauranga City Council has stated that providing an additional access would be too expensive.
3 outlets · Businesses fear retaliation for complaining about high energy costs
Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges says New Zealand businesses are hesitant to voice concerns regarding rising energy costs. Many companies fear that being critical of energy suppliers could jeopardise their future commercial contracts.
2 outlets · Māori health outcomes costing Hawke’s Bay $122 million annually
A new productivity study shows that premature deaths among working-age Māori cost the Hawke’s Bay economy approximately $122 million each year. The report highlights that $44 million of this loss is attributed to deaths related to mental illness. Improving early health interventions could potentially boost the regional economy.
2 outlets · Former foster carer jailed for 23 years for sexual offending
Wayne Paul Henry has been sentenced to 23 years' imprisonment for sexually abusing four teenagers over three decades. The Auckland resident, a former foster carer, was found guilty of 18 charges. Henry continues to deny the offending.
2 outlets · New South Wales defeat Queensland in State of Origin opener
The New South Wales Blues won the first State of Origin match against the Queensland Maroons with an 18-6 score. The game took place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane before a crowd of 54,483 people. A strong performance in the first half helped secure the victory for New South Wales.
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