One person dead in three-vehicle crash in Templeton
One person died at the scene following a crash involving a truck and two cars in Templeton, Canterbury. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Newtons and Dawsons Roads at approximately 2.45pm on Friday. Another person was transported to Christchurch Hospital in moderate condition.
+26 outlets · David Seymour to become Deputy Prime Minister this Saturday
David Seymour will be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister on Saturday, taking over the role from Winston Peters. The handover follows a coalition agreement after Peters served 552 days in the position. Seymour has vowed to continue speaking freely in his new role.
+15 outlets · Chris Bishop criticised for comments during Stan Walker performance
Cabinet minister Chris Bishop said
+26 outlets · Government to increase prosecutions for school truancy
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Ministry of Education will likely pursue prosecutions against parents who repeatedly refuse to send their children to school. The crackdown aims to address chronic truancy, though parents with children facing chronic illness or disabilities may be exempt.
+37 outlets · Timaru District Council wins best-tasting tap water in New Zealand
The Timaru District Council's Seadown water supply has been named the best-tasting tap water in the 2025 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition. The council won the grand final against other competing district councils. Professionals judged the water based on colour, clarity, odour, and taste.
+15 outlets · Man sentenced to life for Ellerslie double murders
Shu Man Poon has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years for the November 2023 murders of Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong. The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to the killings at their Ellerslie home in the Auckland High Court.
+15 outlets · Eye surgeon Ian Dallison granted parole and banned from Canterbury
Dr Ian Dallison will be released from prison next month following a conviction for attempting to murder his landlord in 2022. The Parole Board has deemed him no longer a risk, but he is banned from entering the Canterbury region and must live in Marlborough.
+15 outlets · Tornado damage reported in Hamilton suburbs after wild weather
A possible tornado caused significant damage to homes and trees in the Nawton area of Hamilton on Thursday night. Reports indicate roofs were ripped off, fences were blown over, and power was cut to homes after a trampoline struck a power box. Emergency services and council staff are currently managing the situation.
3 outlets · Grey District Council to oppose Taylorville Resource Park consent application
The Grey District Council will spend at least $60,000 to oppose a new resource consent application from Taylorville Resource Park. Mayor Tania Gibson stated the council views the private landfill as a potential threat to its $20 million water supply.
4 outlets · Christchurch woman's accidental drowning in spa pool ruled accidental
A coroner has found that a woman in her 70s accidentally drowned in her spa pool after returning home intoxicated from a Christmas party in 2021. Her husband discovered her the following morning. The identities of the woman and her husband have been suppressed.
+26 outlets · Severe gales and snow forecast for Otago and Southland
MetService has issued warnings for damaging gales and snow across the lower South Island. Motorists are urged to take care as strong southwesterly winds and snowfall affect mountain passes, including the Crown Range and Milford roads. Some areas in Central Otago have already experienced snow.
3 outlets · Christchurch man killed while supporting war efforts in Ukraine
Twenty-six-year-old Shan-Le Kearns has died in Ukraine, reportedly while attempting to save fellow soldiers. He was a Christchurch resident who lacked military training but was described as very professional. He is the fourth New Zealander known to have died in the conflict.
+26 outlets · Protesters confront Finance Minister over pay equity changes in Christchurch
Dozens of protesters gathered at Addington Raceway on Friday to oppose recent pay-equity legislation. The group demonstrated outside a post-Budget business lunch where Finance Minister Nicola Willis was scheduled to speak to business leaders. Protesters used megaphones and banners to voice their opposition to the government's changes.
3 outlets · Man arrested for driving five times over alcohol limit in Oamaru
A 31-year-old man travelling from Christchurch to Invercargill was arrested after being reported for dangerous driving. Police say the driver's breath alcohol level was more than five times the legal limit. The man is due to appear in court.
4 outlets · Levin braced for planned street racer invasion this long weekend
Police are preparing for antisocial road user gatherings expected across the country during the King's Birthday weekend. This includes a planned meet in Levin, one year after a violent gathering resulted in injuries to police and a spectator.
3 outlets · Police recover hundreds of stolen pounamu pieces on the West Coast
Police recovered 365 pieces and boulders of stolen pounamu from the Jackson River. The recovery followed a tip-off from a member of the public regarding a vehicle seen heading up the river. Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, representing local hapū Ngāi Māhaki, notified authorities of the sighting.
4 outlets · Former Black Caps coach David Trist dies aged 77
Former Black Caps coach David Trist has died in Christchurch at the age of 77. Trist, who managed the team to a Champions Trophy victory in 2000, was remembered by New Zealand Cricket for his care for players and his wit.
3 outlets · Consultation opens on proposed 110km/h speed limit for Transmission Gully
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has launched a six-week public consultation regarding a proposal to increase speed limits to 110km/h. The change would affect State Highway 1 at Transmission Gully and the Raumati Straights. Approximately 22,000 vehicles use the motorway daily.
3 outlets · Hamish Cooper appointed as new New Zealand high commissioner to the UK
Career diplomat Hamish Cooper will replace Phil Goff as the New Zealand high commissioner to the United Kingdom in September. Cooper, who has 40 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, previously served as ambassador to Japan, Russia, and Turkey. Goff was removed from the position in March.
3 outlets · Doctors call for ban on RunIt following teenager's death
Sports Medicine New Zealand members are seeking a ban on the collision activity known as RunIt after a 19-year-old died in Palmerston North. Clinicians described the collisions as comparable to car crashes. The Government is currently seeking advice regarding potential actions to take against the sport.
3 outlets · Nelson Giants to remain at Trafalgar Centre after contract revision
The Nelson Giants basketball club will continue playing at the Trafalgar Centre following a revised contract with the local council. The new agreement allows the team to retain food and beverage income for another two years, preventing the club from facing closure.
3 outlets · Police seek information on red convertible linked to Waikaia house fire
Police have identified a red BMW Z3 convertible as a vehicle of interest following a suspicious house fire in Waikaia. The car was reportedly seen speeding away from the township around the time of the incident. The fire, which occurred in February 2024, destroyed a house and two vehicles.
3 outlets · First home buyers are older as market activity increases
New data shows New Zealand first home buyers are increasingly older, with average ages of 36 in Wellington and 35 in Christchurch. These buyers now account for nearly a quarter of all national property purchases, while making up more than a third of sales in the Wellington region.
3 outlets · Tauranga rates increase reduced to 9.9 per cent after cost cuts
Tauranga City Council has lowered its proposed rates increase to 9.9 per cent after identifying $9.85 million in additional operating cost savings. The revised figure follows public criticism of an earlier 12 per cent proposal, which had been reduced from a projected 20 per cent increase.
2 outlets · Body of New Zealander killed in Ukraine remains missing
The body of 26-year-old Shan-Le Kearns, who was reportedly killed while fighting in Ukraine, has not yet been located. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the death as a tragedy, while the Ukrainian Ambassador stated the nation will not forget him.
2 outlets · Chiefs defeat Highlanders to secure top Super Rugby Pacific seed
The Chiefs beat the Highlanders 41-24 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Tupou Vaa'i scored a hat-trick during the match. The victory ensures the Chiefs enter the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs as the top seed.
2 outlets · Father of Kiwi aid worker killed in Ukraine seeks more government support
Professor Phil Bagshaw says his family received virtually no support from the New Zealand Government following the death of his son, Andrew Bagshaw, in Ukraine. He has urged the government to provide more assistance to the families of others killed in the conflict.
4 outlets · Dan Hooker to host more backyard fights following backlash
UFC lightweight Dan Hooker plans to stage more backyard fight events after hosting a tournament at his Auckland home. The recent event involved 32 men competing for a $50,000 prize. Hooker stated that professional referees and medical staff were present during the competition.
3 outlets · Police to increase presence in Hawke’s Bay for gang gathering
Police will maintain a visible presence in central Hawke’s Bay over the King’s Birthday weekend due to a large gang gathering. While the event is at a marae away from main roads, officers expect some travel in the area. Plans are in place to minimise disruption to local residents and holidaymakers.
2 outlets · Southland emergency management faces staffing shortages
Southland's emergency management service has only seven staff members to support a population exceeding 100,000 people. Staffing levels have reportedly remained unchanged since 2018 despite an increasing workload and population. Recent issues include missed calls following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Southland.
2 outlets · St Andrew’s College student disciplined after altercation with Uber driver
A student from a Christchurch private school has been disciplined following an incident involving an Uber driver. Video footage allegedly shows the teenager attempting to punch the driver before falling from a vehicle. The school's rector stated the incident, which involved four students, goes against the school's values.
3 outlets · Police review retail crime filing after controversial directive was scrapped
Police have launched a review to determine how many retail crime cases were filed under a controversial directive. The directive, which concerned the File Management Centre, has since been scrapped.
3 outlets · Customs seize $25.81 million worth of drugs at Auckland Airport
Customs officers intercepted 67.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine arriving from Malaysia and New York. The drugs were found in duffel bags during two separate overnight interceptions. A 22-year-old man faces charges of importing Class A controlled drugs following the second seizure.
2 outlets · Wellington Airport to purchase Lyall Bay land for community upgrades
Wellington Airport plans to buy four beachfront properties to upgrade community facilities and increase foot traffic in Lyall Bay. The Wellington City Council unanimously voted to sell the land parcels to facilitate the development, which includes plans for Huetepara Park.
2 outlets · David Seymour condemns charity fight challenge from Eru Kapa-Kingi
ACT leader David Seymour has criticised a charity fight challenge from Māori activist Eru Kapa-Kingi. The challenge followed comments made by Seymour in the House of Representatives regarding Kapa-Kingi's mother. Seymour described the invitation as immature and primitive behaviour.
2 outlets · Dunedin high school resolves misappropriation of nearly $365,000
Logan Park High School has decided not to pursue criminal charges after a staff member misappropriated almost $365,000 between 2019 and 2024. The school board treated the incident as an employment matter and stated that the funds, along with legal and accounting costs, have been recovered.
2 outlets · Body retrieved from Whanganui River near Dublin Street Bridge
Police and Coastguard retrieved a body from the Whanganui River on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services were notified of the body's location near the Dublin Street Bridge at approximately 12.15pm. The death has been referred to the Coroner.
2 outlets · Auckland War Memorial Museum to partially reopen after asbestos discovery
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is set to partially reopen this Tuesday following a 24-day closure. The facility has been shut since 10 May after asbestos was detected in the ceiling of the original 1929 building. The closure has resulted in a revenue loss exceeding $450,000.
2 outlets · Rocket Lab acquires company to support Golden Dome missile defence system
California-based Rocket Lab has signed a deal to acquire the parent company of Goest. The move is intended to provide the core capabilities required to help construct the Golden Dome missile defence system proposed by US President Donald Trump.
3 outlets · Man sentenced to life imprisonment for Auckland bus stop murder
Jayden Antonio Cook, 27, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2023 murder of 60-year-old Talini Manu. The attack occurred at a Māngere bus shelter while Cook was intoxicated and agitated. Two other people were also injured during the incident.
2 outlets · Dargaville residents asked to conserve water as reservoir levels drop
Kaipara District Council has asked Dargaville residents to conserve water after multiple water main breaks caused reservoir levels to fall below 10 per cent. The council has shut off booster pumps at the treatment plant and cut water supply to some properties as levels reach critical lows.
2 outlets · Treated wastewater pipe fails at Raglan Harbour
A pipe carrying treated wastewater has failed at a bend near the Raglan Harbour dunes. Waikato District Council has paused all discharge flows and fenced off the area while repairs are undertaken. It remains unclear exactly when the failure occurred.
2 outlets · Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst to step down after nine years
Sandra Hazlehurst has announced she will not seek re-election in the October elections. The Hastings Mayor, who led the district through the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, said it is time to hand over the role after nine years in office.
2 outlets · New Zealand to experience warmer than average winter temperatures
NIWA's seasonal climate outlook predicts air temperatures will be above average across all New Zealand regions from June to August 2025. While cold snaps and frost are still expected, they should occur less frequently than usual. Rainfall is forecast to be above normal in the northern North Island.
2 outlets · Dunedin man caught driving without a licence and over alcohol limit
A 64-year-old man was stopped at a Stone St impairment checkpoint in Dunedin on Thursday evening. Police say the man, who has never held a New Zealand driver's licence, recorded a breath alcohol level of 737mcg.
2 outlets · Cannabis and cash seized after driver pulled over in Waiuku
Police discovered more than two kilograms of cannabis and a significant amount of cash during a traffic stop on Kent St in Waiuku. The driver was initially pulled over by a sergeant for using a mobile phone while driving.
2 outlets · Charity-funded paediatric palliative care service facing funding shortage
The specialist paediatric palliative care service, Rei Kōtuku, is running out of money following Budget 2025. The service supported 13-year-old Meila Davis, who died of bone cancer seven months ago. Her mother, Kristin Davis, expressed distress over the lack of funding for such care.
3 outlets · Ashburton resident collects drinking water from local cemetery
Lal Mulligan travels weekly from her Keenans Road home to the Ashburton Cemetery to fill water containers. Her private bore supply is currently at risk due to E. coli and high nitrate levels. Residents in north-east Ashburton have been advocating for safe drinking water for several years.
2 outlets · Housing confidence reaches 14-year high in ASB survey
An ASB survey for the three months ending in April shows housing confidence has reached its highest level in 14 years. Net respondent belief that it is a good time to buy has risen to 28 percent. Experts attribute this increase to lower mortgage rates, high listing levels and stable house prices.
2 outlets · No work done on National's nurse bonding and relocation schemes
The Health Ministry has confirmed that no progress has been made on the nurse bonding and relocation schemes campaigned on by the National Party. Health Minister Simeon Brown has reportedly avoided direct questions regarding the continuation of these health policies.
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